Post by Dave Homewood on Oct 29, 2013 9:47:53 GMT 12
NZ and US to resume bilateral military ties
Published: 9:55AM Tuesday October 29, 2013 Source: ONE News
The United States and New Zealand are set to resume bilateral military cooperation after nearly three decades.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman made the announcement following a meeting at the Pentagon today.
Mr Hagel told reporters that significant progress has been made since both countries signed the Washington Declaration last year.
"Near-term steps include military-to-military talks next month in Honolulu, New Zealand's deployment of a frigate to the multinational antipiracy coalition in the Gulf of Aden, and the United States' upcoming participation in what will be New Zealand's largest ever multinational and interagency exercise," he said.
"We look forward to continuing to deepen our defence cooperation in the future."
In an easing of a policy that had been in place since 1984, Mr Hagel also authorised the New Zealand Navy to dock at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii during next year's RIMPAC military exercises.
"This will be the first time a New Zealand navy ship will have visited Pearl Harbour in more than 30 years," Mr Hagel said.
The policy restricting visits by New Zealand warships to American ports was partially suspended following New Zealand's opposition to nuclear armed or powered US warships visiting here.
'Tempo to continue'
Mr Hagel and Dr Coleman welcomed increased co-operation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Asia-Pacific.
They also noted last month's meeting of Pacific Army Chiefs.
Dr Coleman told reporters that New Zealand is looking for areas where it can expand defence cooperation with the United States.
"There's a long history between the US and New Zealand, it's a history built on common values, our troops have fought together in many theatres around the world, most recently in Afghanistan.
"Our opportunities for defence engagement, joint training and exercising continue to increase and we expect the tempo to continue," said Dr Coleman.
During the news conference, Mr Hagel also said he expects the ongoing budget sequester will have an impact on the US military's involvement in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Continued sequestration cuts will affect all of our plans in all areas," he said, but continued to stress that the region remains a priority.
Dr Coleman ended the media briefing by giving his American counterpart a personalised All Blacks rugby jersey.
"A high honour indeed, which of course I'm completely unworthy of," Mr Hagel told reporters when he was presented with the gift.
tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/nz-and-us-resume-bilateral-military-ties-5662530
Published: 9:55AM Tuesday October 29, 2013 Source: ONE News
The United States and New Zealand are set to resume bilateral military cooperation after nearly three decades.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman made the announcement following a meeting at the Pentagon today.
Mr Hagel told reporters that significant progress has been made since both countries signed the Washington Declaration last year.
"Near-term steps include military-to-military talks next month in Honolulu, New Zealand's deployment of a frigate to the multinational antipiracy coalition in the Gulf of Aden, and the United States' upcoming participation in what will be New Zealand's largest ever multinational and interagency exercise," he said.
"We look forward to continuing to deepen our defence cooperation in the future."
In an easing of a policy that had been in place since 1984, Mr Hagel also authorised the New Zealand Navy to dock at Pearl Harbour in Hawaii during next year's RIMPAC military exercises.
"This will be the first time a New Zealand navy ship will have visited Pearl Harbour in more than 30 years," Mr Hagel said.
The policy restricting visits by New Zealand warships to American ports was partially suspended following New Zealand's opposition to nuclear armed or powered US warships visiting here.
'Tempo to continue'
Mr Hagel and Dr Coleman welcomed increased co-operation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Asia-Pacific.
They also noted last month's meeting of Pacific Army Chiefs.
Dr Coleman told reporters that New Zealand is looking for areas where it can expand defence cooperation with the United States.
"There's a long history between the US and New Zealand, it's a history built on common values, our troops have fought together in many theatres around the world, most recently in Afghanistan.
"Our opportunities for defence engagement, joint training and exercising continue to increase and we expect the tempo to continue," said Dr Coleman.
During the news conference, Mr Hagel also said he expects the ongoing budget sequester will have an impact on the US military's involvement in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Continued sequestration cuts will affect all of our plans in all areas," he said, but continued to stress that the region remains a priority.
Dr Coleman ended the media briefing by giving his American counterpart a personalised All Blacks rugby jersey.
"A high honour indeed, which of course I'm completely unworthy of," Mr Hagel told reporters when he was presented with the gift.
tvnz.co.nz/politics-news/nz-and-us-resume-bilateral-military-ties-5662530
