New Zealand committed to "Five Eyes" intelligence network

Wellington, Feb 9: A New Zealand minister on Monday said that the country remains committed to the "Five Eyes" intelligence network.

The "Five Eyes" refer to an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain and the US.

Minister in Charge of Security Intelligence Service Christopher Finlayson issued a statement confirming he had attended a meeting in London on Feb 6, where he held talks with the countries involved in "Five Eyes" intelligence sharing alliance, Xinhua reported.

"Our countries are all addressing similar issues in our different jurisdictions," Finlayson said in the statement.

"In the current international environment, it is more important than ever that we continue the successful cooperation that has characterised the relationship between our five countries for so long."

The ministers discussed issues of common concern including counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism, foreign fighters, cyber threats, information sharing and other topics, he said.

They issued a joint communique after the meeting in which they said their intelligence agencies would continue to share information in line with international and domestic laws.

The five ministers agreed to continue to meet to address issues of mutual concern and set the next meeting for Canada in 2016.

IANS