NZ defense minister to discuss Asia-Pacific security with foreign counterparts

New Zealand Defense Minister Jonathan Coleman is to hold talks on Asia-Pacific security issues with U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel when he attends the three- day Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from Friday.

Coleman said Thursday he would also meet with defense ministers from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Britain, France and Canada.

"New Zealand has a significant stake in the security of the Asia-Pacific region, and we participate actively in regional forums. The Shangri-La Dialogue provides an ideal opportunity to engage with a range of regional partners and to discuss the key security issues facing the Asia-Pacific region," Coleman said in a statement.

Representatives of 27 countries will attend this year's Shangri- La Dialogue, a main regional gathering of defense ministers, military chiefs, senior officials and non-government experts in the Asia-Pacific region.