Key: Every country should play part in fighting Isis

Prime Minister John Key. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Every country should play a part in confronting the threat of Islamic State (Isil), Prime Minister John Key said at a peace conference in Istanbul today.

He also used the speech to reinforce New Zealand's effort to get the UN Security Council to play a leadership role in the Israel-Palestine peace process before it is too late.

After speaking about the bonds between New Zealand, Australia and Turkey forged through Gallipoli, Mr Key moved on to modern conflicts.

Isil had brought the region into chaos, drawing much of its strength from the conflict in Syria, and it reveled atrocities.

"Because the threat that Isil represents does not respect borders, all nations, whether they are in the heart of the turmoil, or thousands of miles away, have a role to play in confronting the threat presented by Isil and other violent extremist groups.

"This is as true for New Zealand as it is for all countries here today."

While New Zealand's contributions were modest compared to others - 143 troops to help train Iraqis - the collective efforts of the international community were bearing fruit and ISIL's successes were waning.

While he talked about the strains on Turkey of refugees from Syria and Iraq, he ruled out New Zealand expanding its 750 annual quota.

Mr Key called for countries to become more inclusive, multi-cultural and multi-religious, to avoid the conditions in which extremists thrived.

He also said the Middle East peace process was important to the security and stability in the region.

New Zealand stood ready at the Security Council to advance negotiations for a lasting peace.

New Zealand made a cutting speech to the Security Council on Tuesday about its lack of action in protecting civilians in Libya and Syria and it's lack of leadership in the Israel-Palestine peace process.

"We'll be told 'it's not the right time," said Ambassador Jim McClay "but it's always 'not the right time.' There will never be a perfect time."

While he talked about the strains on Turkey of refugees from Syria and Iraq, he ruled out New Zealand expanding its 750 annual quota.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark was at the conference and will join the New Zealand party at Gallipoli commemorations today.

When asked by Newstalk ZB if she had anything to say about the ponytail saga that has dogged Mr Key this week, she said "I think we'll pass on that one."

Mr Key made further comments to reporters about the complaint by a waitress at his local café that he repeatedly pulled her hair, and he reiterated his regret.

"It has always been one of strengths that I'm casual and laid back and good for a laugh but that's also led to a situation where I'm too casual... I think in hindsight and on reflection I shouldn't have been as casual as that. I should have read the situation more accurately."