Britain's Cleverly leaves New Zealand early to focus on Sudan response

People look for water during clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the army in Khartoum North, Sudan April 20, 2023. REUTERS/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallah

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - British Foreign Minister James Cleverly will leave New Zealand Friday and cut his Pacific tour short, a spokesperson for New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs said, as he focuses on coordinating Britain's response to the Sudan crisis.

Cleverly had been scheduled to meet with Samoan officials and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta in Samoa on Friday before undertaking a bilateral meeting and press briefing Saturday in New Zealand.