US seeks to revive defence ties with N. Zealand
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta flew into New Zealand Friday, the first Pentagon chief to set foot in
the country in 30 years, as the two countries seek to revive long-dormant security ties.
On the final leg of a week-long Asian tour, Panetta planned to thank New
Zealand for its role in the Afghan war and to explore expanding defence ties
that have begun to revive after a hiatus dating back to the 1980s, officials
said.
"Over the last couple of years, we've seen a dramatic uptick in US-New
Zealand (military) relations," a
senior US defence official told reporters before Panetta landed in Auckland.
"There's a lot room for growth in this relationship."
