Another step in improving defence ties between New Zealand and the United States has been taken with the signing of a new cooperation arrangement.
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta have signed the Washington Declaration at the Pentagon in Washington DC today.
The defence arrangement seeks to ensure regular high-level dialogue between the two nations, and enhanced co-operation within the Asia Pacific region in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
"New Zealand's relationship with the US has advanced significantly in the last three years, with the signing of the Wellington Declaration in 2010 and Prime Minister John Key's visit to Washington last year," Dr Coleman said.
"This high-level arrangement recognises the significant security co-operation that exists between New Zealand and the US within the context of our independent foreign policy."
The US dropped its defence obligations to New Zealand under the Anzus Treaty in the mid-1980s because of New Zealand's ban on nuclear armed or powered ships.
NZN