Update: In this article it’s even repeated that like the NATO deal it is non- binding! Why the hell sing anything if it is non binding!
Don’t worry, like the NATO treaty it’s only symbolic!
Defence relations between the United States and New Zealand are set to warm even more with the signing in Washington today of a new defence co-operation pact.
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones are due to be welcomed to the Pentagon this morning by US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta.
Dr Coleman and Mr Panetta will sign a document similar to the 2010 Wellington Declaration between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Murray McCully establishing what they called a “new strategic partnership.”
The new defence pact is thought to be a similarly symbolic agreement rather than binding one, but will specify areas of enhanced co-operation in the Pacific and commit to a regular high-level dialogue on defence matters.
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U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release
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IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 515-12
June 19, 2012
United States, New Zealand Sign Defense Cooperation Arrangement
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and New Zealand Minister of Defence Jonathan Coleman signed the “Washington Declaration” at the Pentagon today to expand the defense relationship between the United States and New Zealand.
The declaration provides a framework for cooperation to focus, strengthen and expand the bilateral defense relationship. It promotes a common vision for defense cooperation in order to strengthen and expand practical bilateral cooperation.
The “Washington Declaration” opens up defense dialogues that include the exchange of information and strategic perspectives and increase understanding of defense policies. It reflects a shared commitment to a stable and peaceful Asia-Pacific region and common approaches to address the region’s defense and security issues, including contemporary non-traditional security challenges.
The partnership will include security cooperation in areas such as maritime security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and peacekeeping support operations.
The “Washington Declaration” was signed a week after commemorative events took place in cities across New Zealand celebrating the 70th Anniversary of U.S. forces coming to the aid of New Zealand in World War II.
A copy of the “Washington Declaration” is available at http://www.defense.gov/news/WashingtonDeclaration.pdf .
“contemporary non-traditional security challenges.”
That’s people like you and me R!
Bring it on!