New Zealand seeks to strengthen engagement with US -foreign minister

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Thursday that New Zealand would seek to strengthen engagement with the U.S. on strategic and security challenges while also looking to unlock potential in their economic relationship. "As a small democracy with deep relationships across the region, and focused on regional security and prosperity, New Zealand has a crucial role to play in promoting shared values in our part of the world and in growing economic opportunity and performance," Peters said in a speech to the United States Business Summit in Auckland.

This is Peters first speech as foreign minister in this government after being sworn in to the role earlier this week.