In a meeting at the Pentagon today, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel thanked Danish Defense Minister Nicolai Wammen for Denmark's contribution in Iraq to the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, Assistant Pentagon Press Secretary Carl Woog said.
In a statement summarizing the meeting, Woog expressed particular gratitude for Denmark’s contribution of F-16s that are conducting strike operations against ISIL, and the nation’s commitment to send up to 120 trainers to train Iraqi forces.
“They also exchanged views on the situation in Syria, the threat posed by the foreign fighters, and the importance of keeping up the pressure on ISIL supply lines and training facilities in Syria,” Woog added.
Gratitude for Denmark’s Commitment in Afghanistan
Hagel also thanked Wammen for committing 160 troops and transport helicopters to the NATO Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, the assistant press secretary said.
The two defense leaders also discussed international operations in West Africa to fight Ebola, Woog said, noting that Wammen briefed Hagel on Denmark’s plan to send 25 health care workers there. They discussed the importance of continued international support to contain the disease, he said.
“They also discussed support to Ukraine, emphasizing that the U.S. and Denmark continue to present a united front with NATO to deal with Russia's aggressive behavior in the region,” Woog said, adding that Hagel particularly welcomed the Danish contribution to NATO missile defense.
Wammen thanked Hagel for his personal commitment and interest in the Arctic region, Woog said, and invited him to Denmark in the coming year.Â
The defense leaders closed the meeting by affirming their commitment to continued cooperation on service member and veteran care, he added.