U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense David F. Helvey and New Zealand Deputy Secretary for Defence Policy and Planning Michael Swain met virtually to conduct the annual U.S. – New Zealand Defense Policy Dialogue, Dec. 8 (Washington, D.C.) and Dec. 9 (Wellington, New Zealand).

Officials reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral relationship and agreed to advance defense and security cooperation on matters of common interest to support and defend the rules-based international order.

Officials emphasized the role of regional partners and multilateral institutions in maintaining a stable, secure and prosperous region.

They also discussed opportunities to engage with Southeast Asian and South Pacific partners to further strengthen relationships, build resilience, and address shared challenges to regional security including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, and climate change.

Finally, officials committed to enhance coordination, collaboration and de-confliction on activities in the region to address existing and emerging security challenges, and to advance common interests.