New Zealand PM visits Muslim community in Christchurch

By Emre Aytekin

ANKARA (AA) - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Saturday met representatives of the Muslim community, survivors and relatives of victims in Christchurch following Friday’s deadly terror attacks on two mosques.

"You were quick to mention this is not the New Zealand that you know. I want to reaffirm that today. This is not New Zealand," she said, referring to the fatal shooting that left at least 49 worshippers dead, local media outlet One News Now reported.

She said the only part of the last 24 or 36 hours that was New Zealand "is the support that you are seeing".

She wore a black headscarf over her head during the visit.

The prime minister reiterated that it was her job to make the Muslim community feel safe in the country.

She will also meet the victims in hospital as part of her visit.

A gunman opened fire on worshippers during the weekly Friday prayers at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz