ANKARA

NATO and Australia on Wednesday signed a renewed partnership agreement.

The agreement was signed during NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's visit to Sydney.

"Australia is a highly valued partner for the Alliance," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying in a statement.

He also praised Australia’s contributions to the international security and its deepening partnership with NATO.

The chief met with Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Foreign Minister Marise Payne, and Defense Minister Linda Reynolds as part of his visit.

"It’s important to stand with partners who share our values & we’re looking forward to stepping up our cooperation," Stoltenberg said on Twitter.

Reynolds, for her part, said on Twitter that the agreement reaffirmed Australia’s commitment as a reliable partner enhancing interoperability between Australia and NATO.