Britain and New Zealand to step up military ties as leaders meet

Mon, 12 May 2025

UK and New Zealand to boost defence ties

Robert Besser
26 Apr 2025, 11:28 GMT+10

Britain and New Zealand to step up military ties as leaders meet

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon decided to strengthen their countries’ defence and security ties, including giving more support to Ukraine, according to Starmer’s office
The two leaders visited southwest England, where soldiers from both countries are helping train Ukrainian troops
Luxon is expected to promise continued support for this training until the end of the year

LONDON, U.K.: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon decided to strengthen their countries' defence and security ties, including giving more support to Ukraine, according to Starmer's office.

The two leaders visited southwest England, where soldiers from both countries are helping train Ukrainian troops. Luxon is expected to promise continued support for this training until the end of the year.

They also talked about working more closely on defence and security, and their ministers will be asked to create a new joint defence agreement between the UK and New Zealand.

Starmer said Britain and New Zealand have long worked together to support peace and stability.

He added that as the world becomes more dangerous, he is proud of how both countries are increasing defence spending, sending their navies to work together in the Indo-Pacific region, and helping Ukraine stay strong against a more aggressive Russia.

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