Judith Collins

Wellington, Sept 4 NZPA - A special ceremony in Paris today marked the war-time alliance between France and New Zealand.

Veterans' Affairs Minister Judith Collins and the French Secretary of Defence, Hubert Falco, joined thousands of Parisians, veterans, soldiers and school children for the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark the 70th anniversary of the start of World War 2.

Traffic around the Arc de Triomphe was blocked from 6.30pm local time for the ceremony.

"The atmosphere this evening has been incredible," Ms Collins said in a statement.

"Parisians -- and a sprinkling of Kiwis I'm pleased to say -- have turned out in force to remember the special relationship between France and New Zealand."

Ms Collins said the ceremony reminded the two nations of the sacrifices made for their freedom.

"The French fought to defend their country; New Zealanders joined that battle to defend their allies and to push back a tide of tyranny."

The politicians jointly rekindled the eternal flame on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which has burned in memory of the dead of both world wars for 70 years.

The flame is relit each day at 6.30pm.

They also laid wreaths.

Ms Collins travels to Le Quesnoy in northern France next to meet local dignitaries for further commemorations. New Zealand soldiers liberated the town after overrunning German troops there at the end of World War 1.