Annual meeting of ANZAC Defence Ministers

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp and his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith held their annual meeting in Wellington on 10 February.

The Ministers acknowledged the importance of our close and enduring defence relationship, based on a common history, a shared strategic outlook, and sticking together in troubled times. This was especially evident in the offers of assistance following the multiple disasters that have recently affected our countries: Tropical Cyclone Yasi, the Queensland floods, the Pike River coal mine disaster, and the Canterbury earthquake.

The Ministers discussed a range of joint initiatives to take forward over the coming year, with a focus on promoting security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

More information can be found on the Beehive website.