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Iraq on the agenda for PMs

Author
Dylan Moran ,
Publish Date
Sat, 28 Feb 2015, 4:20PM
John Key and Tony Abbott at the Press conference (Getty Images)
John Key and Tony Abbott at the Press conference (Getty Images)

Iraq on the agenda for PMs

Author
Dylan Moran ,
Publish Date
Sat, 28 Feb 2015, 4:20PM

Updated 6.40pm: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and New Zealand counterpart John Key have talked about the situation in Iraq during bilateral talks in Auckland.

Speaking alongside the Aussie PM, Mr Key has re-affirmed New Zealand's plan to send forces to the Middle East.

"I briefed the Prime Minister about New Zealand's announcement this week about sending troops as part of building partner capability. Clearly we talked about the threat we perceive from ISIL."

The Prime Minister believes Islamic State militants are more likely to threaten New Zealand by video than carry out a brazen attack without warning.

When asked if he thinks IS might retaliate against New Zealand, he said he can't rule out the possibility.

"What would be more likely would be some sort of threatening video. I don't have any advice about that but equally I can't say that these guys won't do that."

Australia is yet to announce its part of the joint commitment, with Mr Abbott saying he'll take it to Tuesday's party room meeting before going public.

Tony Abbott has also personally thanked New Zealand firefighters who have fought alongside Australians against wild bushfires.

Mr Abbott is a volunteer firefighter himself, and says he understands the comradeship, sense of satisfaction and pride the crews get from their service.

He says there is something unambiguously good about what firefighters do for their communities.

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