Washington, D.C. | February 2, 2026
The United States and New Zealand have taken a significant step toward strengthening their strategic partnership, reaffirming closer cooperation on Indo-Pacific security, defence modernisation, trade, and critical technologies during high-level talks in Washington.
The discussions took place at the New Zealand–United States Strategic Dialogue, led by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and New Zealand Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Bede Corry, signaling growing alignment between the two allies amid evolving regional and global challenges.
Defence Push Signals Stronger Security Alignment
A major highlight of the dialogue was the United States welcoming New Zealand’s move to select Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters as the preferred option to modernise its maritime helicopter fleet. Both sides agreed that expanding interoperable defence capabilities is essential to maintaining regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The leaders also committed to exploring new opportunities to deepen security cooperation with regional allies and like-minded partners, reinforcing their shared vision of a free, open, and rules-based region.
Focus on Pacific Islands and Regional Stability
The two countries underlined their shared responsibility toward the Pacific Islands, agreeing to intensify collaboration to support economic resilience, infrastructure development, and maritime security.
New Zealand welcomed the upcoming U.S.–Pacific Investment Summit in Honolulu, noting that the participation of all Pacific Islands Forum members reflects the Forum’s central role in shaping the region’s future. Both sides also encouraged increased investments by trusted partners to strengthen long-term regional prosperity.
Trade, Critical Minerals and Technology Cooperation
Economic cooperation featured prominently, with both nations reaffirming their intent to expand bilateral trade and investment ties. Discussions included progress on a proposed U.S.–New Zealand Critical Minerals Framework, a move aimed at strengthening supply chains for key resources critical to clean energy and advanced technologies.
The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in energy security, emerging technologies, the digital economy, and critical minerals, positioning the partnership to support future economic resilience.
Space and Antarctic Cooperation Gain Momentum
The dialogue also highlighted growing collaboration in space, with both countries welcoming stronger commercial engagement and confirming that the second U.S.–New Zealand Space Dialogue will be held in March 2026 in Washington, D.C.
On Antarctica, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the continent for peaceful scientific research. The United States acknowledged New Zealand’s long-standing logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program, describing it as a cornerstone of Antarctic cooperation.
A Partnership Poised for Expansion
Both delegations expressed optimism about the future of U.S.–New Zealand relations, emphasizing that deeper cooperation across defence, trade, technology, and regional development will play a vital role in shaping stability across the Indo-Pacific.