NZ and Australia to discuss defense cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, and Defence Minister Judith Collins are set to host the second meeting between Australia and New Zealand's Foreign and Defence Ministers in Auckland tomorrow. The event is part of efforts to strengthen their alliance relationship.
In an important trans-Tasman forum, the ANZMIN meeting aims to develop shared approaches to foreign policy, security, and defence. This year's discussion will focus on partnering in the Pacific, addressing growing instability in the Indo-Pacific, and conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas.
New Zealand and Australia have been increasing their defence cooperation since February's inaugural meeting. The two nations are working towards developing an integrated Anzac force to tackle regional challenges. Peters describes the alliance as crucial for safeguarding national interests in a divided and unstable world.
The ministers will also discuss how to build on their shared history, with separate bilateral meetings planned between Peters and Collins and their Australian counterparts. Tomorrow's meeting is expected to be a significant step towards deepening cooperation between New Zealand and Australia on key regional issues.