Hagel Discusses Partnership With Colombian Defense Minister

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met with Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzón this morning at the Pentagon to discuss the close security partnership between the United States and Colombia, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel welcomes Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon at the Pentagon, May 1, 2013. The two defense leaders met to discuss issues of mutual concern. DOD photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Aaron Hostutler   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Little said Hagel commended Colombia for continuing to make significant progress in its campaign against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, a group known by its Spanish acronym FARC.

Hagel noted that while the fight continues, the United States will support Colombia in its efforts to defeat a common threat and achieve a lasting peace, the press secretary added.

The leaders also discussed ways the U.S. and Colombian militaries can work with one another on regional long-term defense planning and other future opportunities for collaboration, Little said, and Hagel noted that Colombia provides significant capabilities that have helped increase stability in the region.

Hagel stressed the importance of working with Colombia’s Defense Ministry to identify opportunities for closer collaboration ahead of additional high-level bilateral security meetings this summer, Little said.