Carter Meets With Canadian Counterpart to Discuss Counter-ISIL Efforts

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, February 10, 2016 — Defense Secretary Ash Carter met for the first time with Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan today at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a readout of the meeting.

NATO defense leaders have gathered in Brussels for two days of meetings, which will include updates on the effort to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

In his discussion with Sajjan, the U.S. defense secretary reinforced the United States' commitment to intensify the fight against ISIL, Cook said. Carter also thanked the minister for Canada's announcement that they intend to triple their training mission in northern Iraq, double their intelligence effort and to expand their humanitarian and development contributions, the press secretary said.

The leaders also discussed Canada’s future contributions to the air campaign through aerial refueling and surveillance operations, he added.

Both Carter and Sajjan agreed that Afghan security forces have made progress in Afghanistan, Cook said, and that they will need additional support going forward.

The two leaders reiterated the unbreakable bonds between the United States and Canada and the importance of the longstanding military ties between the two countries and committed to stay in close communication, the press secretary said.