Hagel Discusses Security Challenges With Canadian Counterpart

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Hagel Discusses Security Challenges With Canadian Counterpart 06/19/2013 08:21 AM CDT Hagel Discusses Security Challenges With Canadian Counterpart American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, June 19, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel hosted Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay at the Pentagon yesterday, the second meeting between the two defense leaders since Hagel took office, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said. U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel welcomes Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay to the Pentagon, June 18, 2013. The two leaders met to discuss issues of mutual interest. DOD photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sun L. Vega (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. In a statement summarizing the meeting, Little said Hagel and MacKay discussed a wide range of topics related to their mutual interest in some of the world's ongoing security challenges -- including the situation in Syria, Iran's nuclear program and North Korea's destabilizing activities -- as well as the effort in Afghanistan. "Over more than a decade of war, Canada has been an instrumental partner in the International Security Assistance Force coalition," Little said. "Secretary Hagel conveyed his deep appreciation for the significant contributions Canadian troops have made in order to help Afghanistan assume full responsibility for their country's security by the end of 2014." The leaders concluded their meeting by acknowledging the success of their nations' 55-year partnership in North American Aerospace Defense Command. Hagel acknowledged NORAD as a unique example of cooperative defense, essential for the peace and security of both our countries in the 21st century, the press secretary said. Hagel also said he looks forward to visiting with U.S. and Canadian service members at NORAD in the near future and to accepting MacKay's invitation to attend the Halifax International Security Forum later this year, he added.   Biographies: Chuck Hagel Related Sites: North American Aerospace Defense Command State Department Fact Sheet on Canada   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense