For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Wellington, New Zealand where she was joined by U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin in bilateral meetings with Prime Minister John Key and other New Zealand counterparts to discuss a variety of issues including information sharing, trusted traveler programs, combating transnational crime and human trafficking.
“Our two nations may be oceans apart, but we are both tied to the same global economy and same international transportation networks – and we must work together to protect them,” said Secretary Napolitano. “By enhancing collaboration between our two countries – and with our many partners across the region – we will continue to ensure the security of the region, while combating threats to our citizens.”
While in New Zealand, Secretary Napolitano signed a Joint Statement on Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Pacific Islands Region with Immigration Minister Nathan Guy, and signed a Joint Statement to Strengthen Border Security, Combat Transnational Organized Crime, and Facilitate Legitimate Trade and Travel with Customs Minister Maurice Williamson, which emphasized the commitment to combating transnational crime, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.
Secretary Napolitano also met bilaterally with Prime Minister Key, Minister of Justice Judith Collins, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Attorney General Chris Finlayson.
Tomorrow, Secretary Napolitano will meet with Leader of the Opposition David Shearer before continuing on her trip to Canberra and Brisbane, Australia where she will lead the Presidential delegation to the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the World War II battle that marked the start of the U.S.-Australia security partnership. While in Canberra and Brisbane, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks on the importance of security, privacy, and strong international partnerships at the Australian National University, and meet with Australian counterparts to discuss efforts to combat transnational crime, counter violent extremism, enhance information sharing, and ensure a more safe, secure, and resilient global supply chain.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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