United States Secretary of State John Kerry has told John Key in Washington that the US knows its friends and it knows that New Zealand stands with it on its actions in Iraq.
Mr Kerry has been meeting the Prime Minister in Washington for wide-ranging discussions, including the crisis in Iraq on Thursday (local time).
John Key listens as John Kerry speaks to the press after a meeting at the State Department. Photo: AFP
Their talks came as US President Barack Obama announced that Washington was ready for "targeted and precise military action" against Sunni militants in Iraq, but stressed American forces would not be returning there in a combat role.
At a press conference at the State Department in Washington, Mr Kerry was asked whether the US was seeking moral or practical support from New Zealand for its actions in Iraq.
He gave this response: "Yes, the answer is we welcome all the support there is in the world for a rule of law, for a peaceful resolution rather than terrorism and conflict. And we know that our friends ... we don't have to ask ... this is one where we know New Zealand stands with us."
John Key said New Zealand gave Barack Obama US 100 percent support in his assessment of the situation in Iraq. But Mr Key did not give support for airstrikes. He will meet with Mr Obama on Friday.
John KeyJohn Kerry walk to a media briefing in Washington. Photo: AFP
Rebels from ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), have made lightening advances in recent weeks, sparking fears that the country may descend into full-blown civil war.
Western nations have stepped up diplomatic moves in an effort to prevent the crisis from escalating.
Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked for American air strikes to help quell the rebels.
Listen to Political Reporter Chris Bramwell who is travelling with John Key
NZ aid
New Zealand is to give $500,000 to help people displaced by the fighting in Iraq.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said 1 million people had been forced from their homes as the Sunni militants advanced through the country, and that number could rise rapidly if the situation got worse.
The money is to go to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and will pay for supplies like tents, blankets and water containers.
Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
The vice-president of the United States Chamber of Commerce has said he believes that advancing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement is hugely important for all countries involved.
Myron Brilliant spoke at a breakfast for John Key at the Chamber's offices in Washington DC.
He told the gathering that when the US talks about wanting a comprehensive, and ambitious agreement, no country stands stronger with it than New Zealand.