The Government is offering condolences on behalf of all New Zealanders to Australia after two Australian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan.
The Australian Defence Force has confirmed two of its soldiers died when their foot patrol was hit by an improvised explosive device on Monday.
Prime Minister John Key says he will write to his Australian counterpart Kevin Rudd to express New Zealand's sympathy.
Mr Key says although it is a tragic event, the Australian government says it remains committed to fighting terrorism in Afghanistan.
He says the thoughts of New Zealanders are with the families of the soldiers and their colleagues.
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