DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2015 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and
Defense Minister Martin Glváč of Slovakia discussed issues of mutual concern
during a meeting at the Pentagon today, according to a statement provided by
Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby.
Kirby’s statement reads as follows:
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with [Slovak] Defense
Minister Martin Glváč this morning at the Pentagon.
Secretary Hagel thanked Minister Glváč for their
contributions to NATO and international security, particularly for Slovakia's
offer to donate ammunition to support the fight against the Islamic State of
Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq and their continued contribution in
Afghanistan to include the deployment of 66 personnel to support the Government
of Afghanistan.
They also discussed investments in defense. Minister Glváč
assured Secretary Hagel that Slovakia will fulfill the obligations to which
they committed at the summit in Wales. Minister Glváč highlighted that Slovakia
committed to spending 1.6 percent of GDP on defense by 2020 and by 2016, they
plan to allocate 20 percent of the defense budget for modernization.
Secretary Hagel and Minister of Defense Glváč discussed
deepening their strategic cooperation regarding Slovakia's military
modernization plans. Secretary Hagel endorsed Slovakia's modernization efforts,
pledged his support of Slovakia's plan to modernize its helicopter fleet and
urged Slovakia to consider U.S. origin helicopters to increase
interoperability.
Finally, they discussed support to Ukraine, emphasizing that
the U.S. and Slovakia continue to present a united front with NATO to deal with
Russia's aggressive behavior in the region. Secretary Hagel particularly
welcomed the humanitarian and development aid, military training, and the
reverse flow of gas Slovakia is providing to support Ukraine's security.
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