New Zealand eyes NATO deal amid security rethink

WELLINGTON, Apr 5: New Zealand on Friday said it was ready to sign a new cooperation deal with NATO, as the country rethinks security in the face of regional tensions and growing Chinese military might.

Foreign minister Winston Peters said after a two-day visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels that a "partnership programme" with the alliance would be agreed "in the coming months".

Since the centre-right coalition was elected last October, steadfastly independent New Zealand has looked to deepen military ties with "traditional" Western allies.
"The coalition government has made clear the strong emphasis it places on cooperation with New Zealands traditional partners, and NATO is a big part of that," Peters said.     —AFP