The much-anticipated Wellington Declaration promises a renewed – and more formal – strategic partnership between NZ and the US.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Murray McCully signed dual copies of the declara
The much-anticipated Wellington Declaration promises a renewed – and more formal – strategic partnership between NZ and the US.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Murray McCully signed dual copies of the declaration at a joint press conference with Prime Minister John Key at the Beehive this afternoon.
The strategic partnership commits the two countries to working more closely on practical projects in the Pacific, with a focus on renewable energy,and natural disaster readiness and response.
The declaration also commits to a focus on regular high-level political dialogue – namely, regular ministerial level meetings and annual political military talks at an officials level.
"We'll also make sure that our subject experts meet regularly - there's no point in working in isolation on issues like climate change, or non-proliferation and disarmament," Mr McCully said.
He said the new partnership was "highly symbolic".
"It turns a new page in the relationship and establishes a framework for close cooperation across a whole range of fields of shared interest."
Ms Clinton said that the US’ relationship with NZ was probably at its strongest and most productive point in 25 years. She thanked Mr Key and Mr McCully for "excellent" discussions today on a range of issues.
A full copy of the declaration can be found here.
