WELLINGTON, June 20: New Zealand and the US have signed a new defence agreement, underscoring a new era of military cooperation.

US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta and New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman signed the “Washington Declaration” at the Pentagon on Wednesday. The agreement focuses on building maritime security in the Asia-Pacific region, establishing regular policy dialogue, and working together to counter threats.

New Zealand's military relationship with the US soured 25 years ago when it banned nuclear warships from its shores. Although the ban remains, the relationship has improved significantly since New Zealand first sent troops to Afghanistan in 2003.—AP