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| A US Navy LCS (File Photo) |
WELLINGTON, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The United States Navy is to return to New Zealand waters for the first time since a rift formed between the two countries over New Zealand's anti-nuclear stance 32 years ago.
Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Prime Minister John Key confirmed Thursday that the U.S. Navy had accepted an invitation to join an international fleet review to mark the New Zealand navy's 75th anniversary in Auckland in November.
"There is a long-standing process for considering ship visits under our nuclear-free legislation. I will receive advice in due course to assist me in making a decision," said Key in a statement.
"There is no specific time frame for this process, but it is likely to be a number of weeks before the advice is prepared and the government is in a position to make any further announcement."
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