WASHINGTON, Feb 11 (KUNA) -- The US capital hosted a two-day meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday bringing together defense leaders from Western Hemisphere nations to discuss regional security challenges, including combating transnational organized crime.
The US Joint Chiefs of Staff, which hosted the meeting, described it as the first conference of Western Hemisphere defense chiefs, gathering senior military officials from 34 countries to address shared security priorities.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, and other senior officials participated in the event, including the commanders of US Northern and Southern Commands and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
During the conference, Hegseth stressed the need to "restore US strength in the Western Hemisphere through shared priorities and mutual interests with regional partners," according to a Joint Chiefs statement released Wednesday.
General Caine highlighted the importance of building trust, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing joint efforts to improve collective security across the region.
Participants discussed continued military cooperation to address regional security challenges, particularly transnational criminal organizations and drug trafficking, as well as broader issues affecting regional stability.
They also emphasized the importance of strong partnerships and sustained collaboration.
The conference provided an opportunity for defense chiefs to exchange views, enhance coordination, and strengthen ties in support of shared security, stability, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. (end) asj.dss