Norway attacks show small countries at risk: PM

Prime Minister John Key says the shootings and bombing in Norway show why small countries like New Zealand are not immune from terrorism and must play their part in fighting it.

Mr Key, who was meeting with United States President Barack Obama in Washington, at post-meeting press conference expressed his sympathy and concerns for the situation in Norway, which has a population of about 4.5 million, slightly bigger than New Zealand's.

Seven people were killed by a bomb that went off in the capital Oslo overnight. About two hours later a gunman fired shots at people attending a youth camp on an island near Oslo, causing several casualties. Police believe they are linked.

"If it is an act of global terrorism then I think what it shows is that no country, large or small, is immune from that risk," Mr Key said.

"And that's why New Zealand plays its part in Afghanistan as we try and join others like the United States to make the world a safer place."

Mr Key is in Washington for talks that included a review of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade group being negotiated between the US and eight regional allies.

Mr Obama said America's improving trade and military ties with New Zealand showed relations between the two countries were "growing stronger by the day".

The two also discussed Afghanistan, where New Zealand is winding up its role in the Nato-led coalition. Mr Key said: "We're great friends and strategic partners."

On Wednesday, Mr Key announced he has invited US Marines to New Zealand for a World War 2 commemoration next year -- a significant step, since New Zealand's anti-nuclear-weapons policy has effectively barred US warships for quarter of a century.

 

 

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