Kiwi DefMin calls on Antony

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) Trade and Defence Minister of New Zealand Phil Goff today called on Defence Minister AK Antony here and both leaders discussed ''matters of mutual interest and Defence Cooperation'', an official spokesperson said.

The talks were held in ''a very cordial atmosphere'', the spokesperson added.

The visitng Minister -- here to pursue New Zealand's trade interests and strengthen defence ties -- was slated to meet Indian counterparts including Ministers responsible for Agriculture, Defence, External Affairs and Commerce while in New Delhi.

Minister Goff would also meet senior Indian business leaders and trade specialists and make a presentation to the United Service Institution tomorrow on ''New Zealand's Strategic Situation and Defence Policy''.

While India-New Zealand defence ties were modest, both were keen to ensure that these develop in line with their overall bilateral relationship.

Past defence cooperation has focused on naval ties. Last year, the Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy visited in conjunction with the ship visit by HMNZS Te Mana to Mumbai and Kochi.

The NZ Naval Chief's visit resulted in an undertaking to foster closer training and joint exercise opportunities, and usefully exposed the New Zealand Navy to the high level of professionalism in the modern Indian Navy.

A Joint India-New Zealand Navy exercise is planned for this mid-year. Also, a team from the Indian Defence College will visit New Zealand in May.

Early next year, the New Zealand Army Chief plans to visit India to explore cooperation among the ground forces.

India has a long tradition of making significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. Indian and New Zealand service personnel are currently serving side by side as part of UN missions in Sudan and Kosovo.

UNI

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