Fox, Spanish Defense Leader Discuss Mutual Security Issues

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 8, 2014 – Acting Deputy Defense Secretary Christine H. Fox welcomed Spain's Secretary of State for Defense Pedro Arguelles to the Pentagon today.

The defense leaders spoke on a range of mutual security issues, including the current situation in Ukraine, and reaffirmed the need for enhancing collective security through NATO, James Swartout, a spokesman for Fox, said in a statement summarizing the meeting. They also discussed the importance of the U.S.-Spain partnership, emphasizing the role of a healthy industrial defense base, he added.

Fox conveyed her deep appreciation for Spain's hospitality toward U.S. service members and their families in Moron and Rota, as well as for Spain's support of other initiatives that benefit both countries and strengthen European security, Swartout said.

“Spain's agreement to host four ballistic missile defense-capable Aegis ships at Rota is a critical element to U.S. support for European missile defense, the spokesman noted. “Stationing these ships at Rota also provides additional opportunities for joint training and deeper cooperation between the U.S. and Spanish navies,” he said.

In addition, Swartout said, Fox shared her personal thanks to Spain for support to the mission of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response at Moron. Spain recently agreed to an extension of the mission’s duration, as well as an increase in the number of Marines who can temporarily base there, he added.

“Forward-basing of the SP-MAGTF CR in Europe increases the capability of the U.S. military to rapidly respond to incidents on the African continent,” he explained, “while facilitating joint training and increasing interoperability between U.S. and Spanish military forces.”

Fox and Arguelles discussed the strategic importance of the African continent and highlighted the crucial role played by U.S. Africa Command in ensuring stability and promoting partnerships in the region, Swartout said.

“The Department of Defense will continue to work closely with our Spanish allies to find ways to broaden and deepen our bilateral defense relationship,” he added. “Our cooperation reflects the alliance and friendship between our countries that has flourished for decades.”