Fiji, July 11 -- Australia's Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Pacific nations have "already been doing" their part to back Australia's bid to host the COP31 global climate summit, even as Turkiye refuses to withdraw from the race.

"The Pacific remains extremely supportive of our bid. they've written to Turkiye, they've offered to do more when and if they can," he said from the Marshall Islands during his Pacific tour.

Australia is seeking to co-host COP31 in 2026 with Pacific Island countries and hopes to reach consensus within the UN negotiating group it belongs to. But Turkiye's decision to stay in the running complicates the consensus-based process.

"We treat Turkiye with respect," Bowen said.

"They've indicated ...