Hagel discusses cooperation with Tunisian defence minister

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met late on Tuesday with Tunisian counterpart Rachid Sabbagh to discuss military cooperation and security challenges in the region. The meeting was held at the Pentagon with the presence of Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter as part of the 27th annual United States and Tunisia Joint Military Commission taking place from 28 to 30 May, said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little. Hagel's invitation to Sabbagh to come to Washington emphasized his commitment to the US-Tunisian defense relationship. The secretary said he was pleased with the continued military cooperation between the two countries, hoping for cooperation in light of shared interests and security challenges in the region. Little noted that Carter expressed gratitude for the continued support Tunisia has provided to the US embassy in Tunis in the aftermath of the last September attack, and for the continued cooperation between both countries on a wide range of mutual security issues.