NEWCASTLE, Australia (AP) — Australia and New Zealand sent airplanes to New Caledonia on Tuesday to begin bringing home stranded citizens from the violence-wracked French South Pacific territory.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Australia had received clearance from French authorities for two flights to evacuate citizens from the archipelago, where indigenous people have long sought independence from France.
Hours later, a Royal Australian Air Force C-130 Hercules touched down in Noumea, the capital. The plane can carry 124 passengers, according to the Defense Department.
“We continue to work on further flights,” Wong wrote on the social media platform X on Tuesday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said 300 Australians were in New Caledonia. It did not immediately confirm whether the Australian-organized flights would also evacuate other stranded foreign nationals, believed to number in the thousands.
I'm a cruise ship worker...these are the FIVE things smart passengers always do onboard
Xi Extends Condolences to Nepali President over Plane Crash
Xi, Benin President Exchange Congratulations on 50th Anniversary of Resumption of Diplomatic Ties
Xi Focus: The Code of Conduct That Brought Transformative Changes
Trump film shocks Cannes as former US President is depicted 'raping' his then
Xi Stresses Need to Promote Full, Rigorous Party Self
Full Text: 2023 New Year Address by President Xi Jinping
Xi Says China Ready to Advance Relations with Australia Based on Mutual Respect, Win
Should you claim child benefit? What it's worth
Chinese Leaders Extend Spring Festival Greetings to Veteran Comrades
David Ortiz is humbled by being honored in New York again; this time for post
Chinese President Appoints New Ambassadors