WELLINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully will hold talks on Asia-Pacific issues with U.S. military chiefs this week with the situation on the Korean Peninsula being reported high on the agenda.
McCully said Tuesday he will travel to Hawaii to meet with senior figures in the U.S. Pacific Command.
"The U.S. Pacific Command is responsible for U.S. military operations in over half the world's surface," McCully said in a statement.
"Honolulu is a pivotal channel for New Zealand's views on the Asia-Pacific into Washington, D.C. and my visit is an opportunity to emphasize the value of New Zealand-U.S. cooperation in the Asia Pacific."
Prime Minister Bill English told Radio New Zealand Tuesday that it is good to see China and United States communicate about how to deal with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
English said the actions of the United States and China showed their seriousness of intent.
"It is good to see the Chinese and the U.S. leadership communicating about how to deal with North Korea and put pressure on them."
McCully said he would also inaugurate the New Zealand Consulate-General in Honolulu, which was opened in 2014.
"New Zealand's presence in Honolulu has deepened our connections with U.S. military leaders and is a gateway for our engagement with North Pacific countries," he said.
New Zealand's cooperation with the United States in Honolulu also include climate change, fisheries, humanitarian aid and disaster risk management.
