New Zealand and the United Kingdom have agreed to explore opportunities for closer defence cooperation in the face of a changing world.
Defence Minister Judith Collins has signed a Joint Statement on Defence Cooperation with her UK counterpart, John Healey, in London.
She said a lot had happened in the 10 years since the previous agreement.
"Russia's illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine, increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East are among the issues affecting both of our regions, and it is vital that we stand firm in the face of current and future threats."
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Collins said with the international rules-based order under threat, both countries had agreed to work closer on defence issues.
"Our countries' militaries already train, deploy and operate side by side. Just recently our Navy frigate joined the UK-led Operation Highmast in the Indo-Pacific, our Army personnel have been working with UK counterparts to train Ukrainian recruits, and our Navy personnel have worked closely with the Royal Navy in the Pacific region, including through the deployment of Navy personnel on the HMS TAMAR over the past year."
Collins said the agreement would enhance that work and explore new opportunities to work together including innovation, defence industrial supply chains and common equipment.
"In a deteriorating global environment, New Zealand is committed to working with like-minded partners to uphold the international rules-based order that is fundamental to our security and prosperity."
