Following the powerful earthquake that struck Vanuatu, France assures the island's authorities and affected populations of its utmost solidarity at this difficult time and offers its condolences to the victims' families and loved ones.
We stand with Vanuatu's authorities and are prepared to favorably consider any request they might make for assistance with rescue operations.
Our Embassy's teams on the ground and diplomatic posts in the region working with the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs are fully mobilized to provide assistance to French nationals.
The FRANZ arrangement, whereby France, Australia and New Zealand coordinate emergency humanitarian aid, has been activated.
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot has reviewed the situation with our ambassador on the ground.