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Islamic State on agenda of New Zealand, Australia defense talks

Xinhua, September 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

The trans-Tasman response to Da'esh (the Islamic State ) in the Middle East will be on the agenda when the defense ministers of Australia and New Zealand hold their annual meeting on Friday.

New Zealand Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee is to host Australian counterpart Kevin Andrews in Auckland to discuss regional and international security issues, including their responses to the fight against Da'esh and future capability projects, Brownlee said in a statement Thursday.

"Australia is our closest security and trade partner and it is important that we stay closely in touch on key international defense and security issues," Brownlee said.

The two countries have sent troops to Iraq to help train Iraqi security forces in their fight against Da'esh. New Zealand has up to 143 troops at the training base just north of Baghdad on a two- year mission. Endi