WELLINGTON, March 9 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Australia on Friday jointly released an updated Joint Statement on Closer Defense Relations, said New Zealand Defense Minister Ron Mark after meeting with his Australian counterpart Marise Payne in Wellington for the annual Defense Ministers' Meeting.

"New Zealand and Australia have a very close defense relationship," Mark said, adding this is currently on display in Papua New Guinea where New Zealand and Australian Defense personnel are working hard to deliver aid to the earthquake-stricken highlands, and "in all the deployments around the world where we stand side by side."

Friday's meeting was "a great opportunity to discuss shared security concerns, and to explore ways to work better together," Mark said.

"The statement acknowledges our mutual commitment to working side-by-side effectively and efficiently for our shared security interests, and sets out the guiding principles that underline our partnership," he said.