US Defense Secretary, New Zealand MoD discuss countering ISIL

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met here today with New Zealand Minister of Defense Gerry Brownlee.

Assistant Press Secretary Carl Woog reported that during their meeting, Hagel praised the growth of the bilateral defense relationship and expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s support for the counter-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant coalition.

The two also talked extensively about the security situation in Afghanistan and the Resolute Support mission set to begin after the first of the year, according to Woog.

He said the two secretaries also reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific and their nations’ continued partnership in the region./End/