Transcript
Speaking after meetings with New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern, Mr Salwai says he was encouraged by efforts to combat climate action.
This month the New Zealand government introduced legislation to push the country's transition to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Mr Salwai says addressing the climate crisis is of great importance to the Pacific.
"It is a very important issue and we are so happy and welcome that the New Zealand prime minister is very supportive to this concern that has been raised by the Pacific Island countries because we are really affected. Smaller islands like Tuvalu and others [particularly] but Vanuatu as well is also affected by this climate change."
The Vanuatu prime minister side-stepped a question on whether the return of a pro-fossil fuel government in Australia was disappointing.
Instead reiterating the need for more assistance to help island countries cope with the negative impacts of the climate crisis.
Earlier in the week Charlot Salwai flew down to the South Island and visited Queenstown where he met with Ni-Vanuatu RSE workers.
When pressed on concerns raised by some workers about hefty deductions to their pay, Mr Salwai said he was not aware of any complaints and said there had been a lot of improvements made to the scheme since he was minister of internal affairs in 2014.
"During this trip I didnt hear any complaints. Because I asked the question whether they are happy or not? And as far as I know they are more happy, than they are complaining about anything. So compared to when I was the minister of internal affairs and I came here back in 2014, I think a lot of issues they have been addressed."
Today is Charlot Salwai's last day in the New Zealand capital. Next week he will be in China.
Both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang will meet with Mr Salwai according to China' foreign ministry.
Mr Salwai says signing an air service agreement with China is a top priority for him during the week long visit.
He says they will also be seeking visa waiver's for Vanuatu diplomats and discussing the country's future involvement in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
Charlot Salwai says while Vanuatu would prefer grants, it won't stop seeking loans from China to achieve its development goals.
