U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta says his country is willing to extend the American military's reach with a presence in New Zealand.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S SECRETARY OF DEFENCE LEON PANETTA SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think, if New Zealand feels that's something that they would support or want, we certainty are more than ready to engage them in that kind of relationship."<br/> <br />Panetta made the comments in an interview on Saturday as part of his trip to bolster U.S.-New Zealand ties.<br/> <br />During the talks, Panetta announced that his country had lifted a ban on New Zealand naval ship visits to U.S. defence and coast guard bases.<br/> <br />The U.S. is also planning to lift restrictions on joint-military exercises between the two nations.<br/> <br />Many see the move as an effort to thaw frosty relations after a 26-year standoff over New Zealand's stance against nuclear weapons.<br/> <br />The trip is a first by a Pentagon chief in 30 years.
