Hagel Praises Mexico's Military in Meeting With Defense Minister

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2014 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel praised Mexico's military during a meeting with Mexican Defense Minister Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos yesterday on the sidelines of the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas in Arequipa, Peru, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said.

"Secretary Hagel thanked the minister for his leadership and praised Mexico's military capabilities, especially its disaster relief expertise," Kirby said in a statement summarizing the meeting. "Both leaders agreed that our bilateral defense relationship is enjoying an unprecedented level of cooperation."

Hagel and Cienfuegos acknowledged the strong personal interest that President Barack Obama and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto are taking in the U.S.-Mexico defense relationship, the admiral said.

Hagel pledged to continue the close dialogue and to look for ways to work closely together with Mexican defense and military leaders, Kirby added.