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Release
Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With New Zealand Minister of Defence Peeni Henare

March 1, 2021

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and New Zealand Minister of Defence Peeni Henare spoke today to reaffirm the enduring strength of the U.S.-New Zealand relationship.

Secretary Austin and Minister Henare acknowledged the close alignment in both nations’ perspectives and approaches to addressing pressing regional and global security concerns. Both leaders emphasized the shared goal of maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific – founded on respect for international rules, laws, and norms.

Secretary Austin and Minister Henare committed to continuing to work together closely, moving the relationship forward.

Defense Secretary Austin partnerships New Zealand