BRUSSELS, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday said New Zealand is one of NATO's closest global partners.
Addressing a joint press conference after meeting New Zealand's Prime Minister Bill English at NATO headquarters, Stoltenberg expressed gratitude for the contribution of New Zealand to the NATO presence in Afghanistan.
"I'm very glad that New Zealand continues to contribute with personnel and mentors to the Afghan National Army Defence Academy," Stoltenberg said.
Underlining New Zealand's unique maritime capabilities, Stoltenberg welcomed New Zealand's participation and contribution to different NATO maritime operations, including the counter-piracy operation off the Horn of Africa.
The two leaders also exchanged views on security challenges in Europe and in the Asia-Pacific region, including the common threat of terrorism.
