New Zealand Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark announced Friday with New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma, that a statue of a New Zealand World War One soldier will be erected on Sydney's ANZAC Bridge.

According to press release from Clark's office, the statue will be positioned at the western entrance to the bridge, forming a pair with the existing statue of an Australian soldier.

Clark, who is in Australia for a five-day visit, said the relationship between New Zealand and Australia is as close a relationship as can be found anywhere in the world between countries. It is underpinned by common values and extensive cross- Tasman family links.

The construction of the statue was a joint project, to be funded by the governments of New Zealand and New South Wales.

The statue, which will be sculpted by Alan Somerville, a joint Australian/New Zealand citizen, could be unveiled next year.

Source: Xinhua