New Zealand intends to strengthen cooperation with NATO and make its contribution to supporting Ukraine's defense, states New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
"New Zealand is committed to working together with NATO partners to contribute to collective security, such as through our support for Ukraine's self-defence," Peters said after attending the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting in Brussels on April 3-4.
According to him, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect global security, and that is why New Zealand must be prepared to make its contribution.
New Zealand is in negotiations for a new type of partnership with NATO.
"We expect to conclude this partnership in the coming months, agreeing tangible areas of cooperation," added the Foreign Minister.
After the meeting, Peters will travel to the US and is expected to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss key global and regional security issues.
New Zealand's aid and its position regarding Russia
New Zealand has supported Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. In 2022, New Zealand decided to join the training of Ukrainian military personnel in the UK.
In February of last year, the New Zealand government extended visas offered to Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion and extended their validity.
Additionally, on February 22, New Zealand announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth $25.9 million (USD 16.9 million).