U.S.-New Zealand form new strategic partnership

2010-11-04 22:36:19 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully on Thursday met to reaffirm the close ties between their two nations and to establish the framework of a new U.S.-New Zealand strategic partnership to shape future practical cooperation and political dialog. 

The Wellington Declarations is a U.S.-New Zealand strategic partnership with two fundamental elements: a new focus on practical cooperation in the Pacific region; and enhanced political and subject-matter expert dialog – including regular Foreign Ministers' meetings and political-military discussions.

The agreement ends an estrangement that began in 1985 when New Zealand declared itself a nuclear-free state and banned visits by U.S. warships.

The two nations' joint cooperation will be addressing broader regional and global challenges, such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, and extremism. The State Department said particular areas of focus will also include renewable energy and disaster response management, as well as regional security issues. 

In addition, the two nations were dedicated to working together to address trade, security and development issues through APEC, the East Asia Summit, the United Nations, and other regional and multilateral institutions.  

"To ensure the broadest participation of our citizens in strengthening the relationship between our two nations, we should focus efforts across our societies, including women, youth, minorities and future leaders," the State Department said, adding that both nations share a deep and abiding interest in maintaining peace, prosperity, and stability in the region, expanding the benefits of freer and more open trade, and promoting and protecting freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide.   

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-11-04

Actually, New Zealand never banned US warships, just nuclear powered or nuclear armed ones. The US doesn't officially declare which ships carry nuclear weapons, so none have visited.

Actually, New Zealand never banned US warships, just nuclear powered or nuclear armed ones. The US doesn't officially declare which ships carry nuclear weapons, so none have visited.

Can you blame the US for not letting everyone know what ship is or is not carrying the nuclear deterrent?

Actually, New Zealand never banned US warships, just nuclear powered or nuclear armed ones. The US doesn't officially declare which ships carry nuclear weapons, so none have visited.

Can you blame the US for not letting everyone know what ship is or is not carrying the nuclear deterrent?

Not blaming anyone. Just clarifying an error in the story.

Actually, New Zealand never banned US warships, just nuclear powered or nuclear armed ones. The US doesn't officially declare which ships carry nuclear weapons, so none have visited.

Can you blame the US for not letting everyone know what ship is or is not carrying the nuclear deterrent?

Not blaming anyone. Just clarifying an error in the story.

Okay, I agree with your clarification. Point taken...