Fed: Labor defence spokesman to visit NZ

AAP General News (Australia)
04-17-2000
Fed: Labor defence spokesman to visit NZ

Opposition defence spokesman STEPHEN MARTIN leaves today on a two-day visit to New
Zealand to discuss defence and security matters with the new Labour government in Wellington.

Mr MARTIN says the defence and security relationship between Australia and New Zealand
is vital, with both nations sharing interests in important trans-Tasman and regional issues.

He says the two countries share strategic interests because they're bound by strong
personal, economic, cultural and historical ties.

Mr MARTIN will meet New Zealand Defence Minister MARK BURTON, Foreign Affairs and Trade
Minister PHIL GOFF, Defence Secretary GRAHAM FORTUNE, the NZ Centre for Strategic Studies
director Dr DAVID DICKENS and other defence executives and analysts.

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KEYWORD: MARTIN (CANBERRA)

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