Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government is increasingly turning to allies Cuba, China and Russia to offset a health crisis caused by US sanctions, a minister said on Wednesday.

The United Nations has asked Australia to urgently evacuate detainees from the Pacific islands of Nauru and Papua New Guinea, saying it bears responsibility for their deteriorating health conditions.

Almost two-third of the ambitious Orbital Highway and Truck Route linking the newly constructed Hamad Port in Mesaieed with the Ras Laffan Industrial City on the northern side is ready now.