By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 12, 2012 – Defense
Secretary Leon E. Panetta met with Israeli President Shimon Peres yesterday at
the Pentagon to discuss security issues of mutual concern and the nations’
strong defense relationship, Press Secretary George Little said.
The leaders “consulted on … many areas
of cooperation and the common challenges faced by the United States and Israel
in the Middle East,” Little added, “to include the ongoing violence in Syria,
Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Middle East peace process, and the U.S.
commitment to preserving Israel's qualitative military edge.”
Panetta welcomed Peres to the Pentagon
and congratulated him on being nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom
by President Barack Obama, the highest honor awarded to civilians in the United
States
“It is a fitting recognition of your
life’s work, [which] has been to advance peace, human dignity and freedom.
These basic values are at the core of the U.S.-Israel relationship,” Panetta
told Peres. “We greatly admire your commitment to these values and we greatly
admire your commitment to our relationship.”
The secretary noted that cooperation
between the U.S. and Israeli militaries is stronger than ever and that the U.S.
commitment to Israel’s security is “rock solid and enduring.”
Panetta added that he looked forward to
hearing Peres’ “views on the many challenges we face together. But our goal
remains the same for both of our nations: peace, prosperity, and the dream of
giving our children a better life.”
After a brief handshake in the meeting
room and smiles before the cameras, according to a pool report, Panetta and
Peres sat down at a table along with 12 senior officials.
Among them, on the U.S. side, was Army
Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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