"In fact our relationship with New Zealand across the board continues to grow and we discuss and cooperate one wide range of issues at the highest levels."
It is the first formal invitation for a US naval vessel since the nuclear-free legislation passed in 1987. Since then no US vessels have visited although Mr Key said in 2012 he was open to a visit from a coastguard vessel. The US Marines also visited in 2012 to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US World War II forces in New Zealand.
The US announced in 1991 and reaffirmed in 2004 that its vessels did not carry nuclear arms but has otherwise had a policy of refusing to confirm or deny the nuclear capabilities of its vessels.
Last week Mr Key said it was possible he could be assured of that without the US confirming it, depending on the type of vessel the US opted to send if it accepted the invitation.
Ship specifications can often be ascertained from open records.
Several countries have been invited to send ships, including China.
