Hagel Discusses Afghanistan With Canadian Defense Minister

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Canadian Defense Minister Peter MacKay discussed Afghanistan and other topics during a telephone conversation this morning, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

In a written statement summarizing the call, Little said this was the second conversation the leaders have had since Hagel took office.

Hagel and MacKay discussed ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Canada's contribution to the training mission, which has been essential to developing the capacity of Afghan national security forces, Little said. Hagel had the opportunity to see some of this training in person on his first visit to Afghanistan last month, he added.

Hagel said the bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and Canada remains one of the world's strongest, as demonstrated by stellar operations at North American Aerospace Defense Command and the work of the Permanent Joint Board on Defense to explore ways to increase cooperative efforts in NATO, the Western Hemisphere and the Asia-Pacific region, Little said.

Both stated they look forward to seeing each other in person at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore next month, the press secretary said, and Hagel also congratulated MacKay on the birth of his son earlier this month.