SECRETARY OF DEFENSE HAGEL MEETS WITH SWEDEN'S DEFENSE MINISTER ENSTROM

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel meets with Swedish Defense Minister Karin Enström at the Pentagon, June 26, 2013. The leaders discussed issues of mutual interest and concern. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Hagel, Sweden's Defense Minister Meet at Pentagon

American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 26, 2013 - Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met with Sweden's Minister of Defense Karin Enström at the Pentagon today, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

During the meeting Hagel praised Sweden for its role as a key partner to the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Little said.

In particular, he added, Hagel thanked Minister Enström for Sweden's commitment and sacrifices in Afghanistan, and for its key leadership in other NATO operations such as Libya and Kosovo.

"Secretary Hagel reiterated the United States' steadfast commitment to standing together with U.S. allies and partners," Little said.

And Hagel affirmed "that the Defense Department will continue to seek ways to enhance our bilateral defense relationship with Sweden," Little added, "and that our two nations will continue to work closely together to advance our common interests around the world."