Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-4-30 13:51:03
The defense ministers of New Zealand and Australia met in Auckland Tuesday for bilateral talks ahead of the first-ever region-wide defense talks in Tonga.
New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman and Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith held bilateral discussions before they both departed to attend the inaugural South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting being held in Nuku'alofa on May 1-2.
"The bilateral with Stephen Smith is part of the ongoing excellent working relationship with Australia. The South Pacific Defence Minister's meeting is a welcome new initiative started by Australia, hosted by Tonga, which New Zealand supports," Coleman said in a statement.
The regional meeting was "a positive development to enhance regional co-operation," said Coleman.
"The discussions will focus on the areas of humanitarian and disaster relief, and maritime surveillance," he said.