From Allied Command Operations: The commander of NATO’s operational forces paid an official visit to Wellington, New Zealand, April 11-12 to discuss the mission in Afghanistan.

Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Commander Allied Powers Europe, met with the Honourable Mr. John McKinnon, Secretary of Defence Force; the Honourable Dr. Wayne Mapp, Minister of Defence; Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae, Chief of Defence Force; and the Honourable Murray McCully, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the capital to discuss New Zealand’s role in the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force.

‘We wanted to come to one of the most important ISAF partners we have which is contributing across the spectrum of operations in Afghanistan,” said Stavridis. "New Zealand is contributing a Provincial Reconstruction Team in the north in Bayman, training the Afghan Security Forces, which is perhaps the most important we have, and contributing to the special operations’ role”

New Zealand maintains a presence of 220 service members and civilians participating throughout the three key lines of operation.  (photo: MC2 Stefanie Antosh/NATO)

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