In a phone call with Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenes today, Defense Secretary Ash Carter recognized Spain's strong contributions to global security and its commitments to NATO, calling Spain a "full-spectrum ally," Pentagon officials said.
In a statement summarizing the call, officials said the two defense leaders discussed Spain's contributions to counterterrorism efforts and joint military collaboration, and that Carter thanked Morenes for Spain's continued hospitality in hosting U.S. forces and their families at Moron and Rota.
Mutual Security Benefits
“Both men acknowledged the mutual security benefits of this arrangement, as well as the related labor concerns at Moron,” the statement said. “They expressed confidence that the strong U.S.-Spain bilateral relationship would help resolve these concerns favorably for both countries.”
Carter acknowledged the long history of defense cooperation between the United States and Spain, officials said. This was the first conversation between the two leaders, and they both noted that they look forward to meeting in person soon, they added.