NATO Secretary General Mr Jaap De Hoop Scheffer visited New Zealand in late March.
It was the first time a NATO Secretary General had visited New Zealand.
Minister of Defence Mark Burton said New Zealand had become increasingly involved with NATO since it took on a more active role in peacekeeping.
“NZDF troops have served under NATO command in Bosnia over several years and a small group of NZDF staff officers work in the Headquarters of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. “The Secretary General’s visit enabled us to share views on areas of strategic importance for both New Zealand and NATO. In particular, I welcome the opportunity to discuss matters of mutual interest, such as the New Zealand defence force role in Afghanistan and our involvement in the international campaign against terrorism.”
During the Secretary General’s visit he met with Prime Minister Helen Clark, Mr Burton and with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Marian Hobbs. The Secretary General also gave an address to the Victoria University Institute of Policy Studies and the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs.