14 Dec 2015

Defence Minister meets Australian counterpart

8:22 pm on 14 December 2015

The Defence Minister met his Australian counterpart today for discussions including the international fight against Islamic State (IS).

New Zealand Defence Force personnel depart for a Mission Readiness Exercise in Australia.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel depart for a Mission Readiness Exercise in Australia. Photo: Supplied

Gerry Brownlee met Australia's first female defence minister Marise Payne this afternoon in Christchurch.

Mr Brownlee said the bilateral meeting was a timely opportunity to discuss mutual defence and security issues, including the two countries' joint training mission in Iraq.

Discussions also included both countries' defence white papers.

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