Queen recognises NZ armed forces

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The Queen recognised the service of Commonwealth soldiers in Afghanistan in her annual Christmas message today.

More than 13,000 soldiers from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore were currently serving in Afghanistan and people could be proud of the positive contribution they were making with the allies, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II said from the White Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace.

"The debt of gratitude owed to these young men and women and to their predecessors is indeed profound."

Thoughts went out to the people who had lost friends and family over there, she said.

More than 100 British soldiers have died there this year.

The continuing economic downturn had also made 2009 a difficult year for many people, Her Majesty said.

She also talked of the importance of the Commonwealth, formed 60 years ago.

"Today with more than a billion of its members under the age of 25, the organisation remains a strong and practical force for good."

The Queen said some work being done by young people, who were creative and innovative, was inspiring.

She urged the Commonwealth to keep discussing issues of concern.

"There can be no more valuable role for our family of nations."

The Commonwealth is made up of more than 50 countries.

"The Commonwealth is not an organisation with a mission. It is rather an opportunity for its people to work together to achieve practical solutions to problems," she said.

- NZPA