22 May 2006

New Zealand and Australian defence ministers meet to discuss ongoing co-operation

2:54 pm on 22 May 2006

The Defence Ministers of New Zealand and Australia are meeting in Queenstown today to discuss key areas of interest.

These included ongoing cooperation in joint operations and training, capability development, logistic support, personnel development and command, control and communications.

Phil Goff and Dr Brendan Nelson, reaffirmed the importance of New Zealand and Australia staying closely engaged on regional security issues, and working together for a secure and stable Pacific region.

Both ministers say that a combined military and police response in restoring law and order following the recent unrest in Solomon Islands, underlines their commitment to the region.

They also say strengthening bilateral and regional co-operation in the region is important given the threat of terrorism and the need for a secure maritime environment.