NZ will consider boosting Afghan force if asked, says Key

New Zealand would consider any request from US President Barak Obama to increase its military commitment in Afghanistan, Prime Minister John Key said yesterday.

But he also said the possibility had not yet been considered by the Cabinet, and would be viewed in the light of New Zealand's existing, significant commitments.

Mr Key's comments were made in the light of expectations that Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will be asked to send more troops when he visits Mr Obama in Washington this month.

Australia has a large contingent in Afghanistan, including special forces, infantry and a reconstruction unit.

Eight Australian soldiers have been killed there.

Mr Rudd has been critical of the contribution of Nato countries, and has warned that although Australia remains committed to its involvement it did not offer a "blank cheque" for the future.

Mr Key discussed Afghanistan and other security issues in his talks with Mr Rudd in Sydney yesterday, and said New Zealand had made it clear that at this stage it would continue its reconstruction commitment of 150 soldiers.

New Zealand has not had a combat commitment since the SAS ended its 12-month stint in 2003. "There has been no formal request for additional support in Afghanistan, although if you read the tea leaves it is likely that the Obama Administration is going to ask all of the [Nato countries] to consider upping their contributions to Afghanistan," Mr Key said.

"Whether Wellington is prepared to do that is something the Cabinet would have to consider. At this point we haven't done that."

Mr Key said New Zealand did not have the defence capabilities of Australia, even on a per-capita basis; it already had a strong contingent in East Timor and it was tied up heavily in the Solomons.

On a relative basis, New Zealand's commitment to Afghanistan was larger proportionately than many Nato countries.