ANZAC Defence Ministers build on close links to enhance effectiveness in Asia-Pacific Region

15:06 GMT, February 10, 2011 DEFPRO.COM

New Zealand Defence Minister Wayne Mapp met his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith in Wellington today to discuss a range of defence and security issues. 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.