Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's meeting with El Salvador's Minister of Defense General David Munguia Payes

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met today in Peru with El Salvador's Minister of Defense General David Munguia Payes. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas. Their discussion focused on regional challenges facing our two militaries and the importance of our strong bilateral partnership in addressing those challenges. Specifically, the two leaders discussed the ongoing problem of drug trafficking, maritime security and natural disasters. Secretary Hagel thanked the minister for his leadership and his commitment to strengthening our defense relationship. The Secretary pledged to continue the close dialogue and cooperation between our two countries.