NZ praised by US Assistant Secretary Of State

Christopher Hill

United States Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill today praised New Zealand's work in Afghanistan and the South Pacific, and said he believed the two countries could work even more closely in the future.

Mr Hill, who has responsibility for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, met Foreign Minister Winston Peters this morning and is due to meet Prime Minister Helen Clark later today.

He said Afghanistan, where New Zealand defence personnel are engaged in a Provincial Reconstruction Team, was "a very, very tough situation".

"What those very brave people from New Zealand are doing...is extremely important and we are very, very pleased the Kiwis have been with us," he told reporters after his meeting with Mr Peters.

"I do indeed appreciate what New Zealand is doing."

- NZOA