Developments seen as 'new era' in NZ, US relations
Published: 2:56PM Friday September 21, 2012 Source: ONE News
- US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman in Auckland. - Source: ONE News
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New Zealand navy ships will now be allowed entry into military ports in the United States.
The lifting of the 26-year-old ban marks a significant development in relations between New Zealand and the United States.
US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and his New Zealand counterpart Jonathan Coleman have been having talks at Government House in Auckland this afternoon.
The change in policy, part of an effort to bolster security ties between the two countries, will "allow the US Secretary of Defense to authorise individual visits to Department of Defense or Coast Guard facilities in the United States and around the world," Panetta said.
Coleman called the visit very significant and that it underscores the very warm relationship between our two countries.
He said the future ahead for cooperation between the United States and New Zealand is very very good.
TV ONE will feature the only New Zealand interview with Secretary Panetta on Q+A this Sunday at 9am.
In another development today, military discussions can now also be formally held between the two nations.
Panetta added that the United States would lift restrictions on US-New Zealand exercises and bureaucratic obstacles to talks between defence officials of both countries.
"These changes make it easier for our militaries to engage in discussions on security issues and to hold cooperative engagements that increase our capacity to tackle common challenges," he said.
Panetta and Coleman said the developments herald a new era in the defence relationship between the two countries.
However neither side will change their stance on US nuclear ship visits to New Zealand.
Afghanistan has also been high on the agenda during talks.
Panetta said he has a profound respect for New Zealand's contribution in Afghanistan and acknowledged recent attacks on Kiwi soldiers.
He said he knows the progress made in the war-torn country has come at a high price for New Zealand.
Panetta received a traditional Maori welcome upon his arrival earlier today for the symbolic visit and this afternoon is visiting te Auckland War Memorial Museum where he is laying a wreath and presenting medals to New Zealand defence force personnel.
He is the first Pentagon chief to visit in 30 years since Wellington closed New Zealand ports to nuclear warships.
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