LOC10:56
07:56 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel called his
Israeli counterpart late Monday for a discussion on bilateral relations,
"shared regional security challenges, and strong defense cooperation,"
according to a readout provided by the Pentagon.
Hagel "underscored the United States' commitment to preventing Iran from
acquiring a nuclear weapon ... and discussed the situation in Syria,
including the international community's efforts to eliminate Syria's chemical
weapons program."
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon "pledged to continue to
stay in close touch on these and other priority regional issues, and
reaffirmed the unprecedented strength of the US-Israel defense relationship."
The two leaders also discussed Hagel's recent trip to Bahrain for the
Manama Dialogue.
The call followed four meetings Hagel and Ya'alon have had so far this
year. (end)
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KUNA 171056 Dec 13NNNN