July 2, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joint Staff Spokesperson Air Force Col. Robert Firman provided the following readout:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, spoke with New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025.
During the meeting, Gen. Caine and Air Marshal Davies discussed the positive trajectory in bi-lateral ties and increased alignment with the U.S., Australia, and other like-minded partners. The Chairman recognized New Zealand’s new Defence Capability Plan as a critical step in adapting to new security challenges and maintaining long-term combat-capable forces. Gen. Caine also welcomed the increased defense and security cooperation as a significant move in the right direction.
2025 marks the 187th year of friendly relations between the United States and New Zealand, since the first U.S. Consul arrived in 1838. Over the last decade, the relationship has grown ever stronger, especially as New Zealand continues to hold steadfast to it values, including the need to uphold a rules-based international order.
The longstanding defense partnership between the United States and New Zealand is vital to the security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
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