New Zealand and the United States have signed an agreement to expand defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, signaling a further boost to ties between the two nations.
The deal was signed in Washington by New Zealand's Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman and US counterpart Leon Panetta. It will build on existing "significant security cooperation" between the two "within the context of our independent foreign policy", Coleman said. The Pentagon said the agreement will include maritime security and disaster relief, according to the (BBC). The US-New Zealand deal, entitled the Washington Declaration, promises regular strategic dialogue and information sharing, and emphasizes "building maritime security presence and capabilities".

Source: BNA