The United States and New Zealand have reaffirmed their strategic partnership, committing to deeper cooperation across security, the Indo-Pacific, Pacific engagement, trade, and emerging technologies.
United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and New Zealand Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Bede Corry met in Washington on 02 February 2026 for the New Zealand–United States Strategic Dialogue, where both sides stressed their shared commitment to a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The two officials in a joint statement welcomed closer defence cooperation, with Landau acknowledging New Zealand’s decision to select Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace its maritime helicopter fleet. Both sides agreed on the importance of investing in interoperable defence capabilities and expanding security cooperation with regional allies and likeminded partners.
Pacific engagement featured prominently in the talks, with both sides reaffirming their shared goal of working alongside Pacific Islands countries to support resilience and prosperity. They committed to expanding cooperation in infrastructure, economic investment and the maritime domain.
Corry welcomed the United States’ hosting of the U.S-Pacific Investment Summit in Honolulu later this month, noting that the inclusion of all Pacific Islands Forum members recognised the Forum’s central role in regional affairs.
The two also welcomed investments by likeminded partners to support a resilient and prosperous Pacific region.
On economic cooperation, Landau and Corry reaffirmed their interest in expanding the trade and investment relationship between the United States and New Zealand. Discussions included a proposed U.S–New Zealand Critical Minerals Framework, alongside New Zealand’s participation in the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the United States this week.
Both sides agreed to explore further cooperation on critical minerals, energy, emerging and critical technologies, and the digital economy to strengthen economic resilience.
They also highlighted advanced cooperation on space issues, welcoming the upcoming second U.S.–New Zealand Space Dialogue to be held in March 2026 in Washington, D.C.
The dialogue also reaffirmed the importance of preserving Antarctica for peace and science. Both sides committed to continued cooperation on Antarctic research, policy and logistics, with Landau expressing appreciation for New Zealand’s long-standing logistical support to the United States Antarctic Programme and assistance with U.S inspections of foreign research stations.
Both officials expressed optimism about the future of the U.S–New Zealand relationship and welcomed upcoming opportunities for engagement, including at ministerial level.
