EU-New Zealand: first high-level exchanges on security and defence in Wellington

During the exchanges, the EU and the New Zealand shared assessments of the current regional and international security environment. Furthermore, the EU and New Zealand agreed to identify ways to enhance their cooperation on several areas of common interest, notably Maritime Security, Cyber Security, Space Security, Non-Proliferation and Disarmament as well as Counter Terrorism. They also discussed to increase alignment on many of these areas in multilateral fora and to work together in safeguarding the rules-based international order. Both sides also exchanged on respective defence initiatives and defence industry policies. 

The exchanges were attended by Ms. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence of the European External Action Service (EEAS), and Ms. Charlotte Beaglehole, Divisional Manager of the International Security and Disarmament Division (ISED) and Ambassador for Counter Terrorism, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). 

Ms. Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss also met with Taha Macpherson, Deputy Chief Executive of MFAT, Jeremy Clarke-Watson, Deputy Chief Executive National Security, Risk and Resilience, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mat Williams, Huntley Wright, Assistant Secretary Capability Delivery, Andrew Gillespie, Head of International Branch, New Zealand Ministry of Defence and Paula Wilson Deputy Secretary Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Australia Group of MFAT.