Secretary of Defence visits US and Republic of Korea
Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman travelled to Washington DC, United States, and the Republic of Korea in March 2022
While in Washington DC to participate in strategic dialogue with US counterparts, Secretary Bridgman met with US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr Colin Kahl at the Pentagon and reaffirmed the strong defence relationship between the two countries. They discussed the situation in the Ukraine, the strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific and explored opportunities for future cooperation.
Secretary Bridgman and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Chris Seed also met with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and discussed the situation in Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific and how the two countries might collaborate in the areas of Covid and climate change.
He then travelled to the Republic of Korea to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Wellington and met with South Korean Deputy Defense Minister Park Jae-min.
While in Republic of Korea, Secretary Bridgman also met with General Paul LaCamera, Commander United Nations Command, Republic of Korea-US Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea (UNC/CFC/USFK) to discuss issues focusing on peace in the Korean Peninsula. He also visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery and met with NZDF personnel based at UNC.