Defense Secretary Ash Carter and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant this morning during the second phone call between the two defense leaders since the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.
“This was an opportunity to share actions that both governments are taking in the wake of the attack,” Cook said in a statement summarizing the call. “They agreed on concrete steps the U.S. and French militaries should take to further intensify our close cooperation in prosecuting a sustained campaign against ISIL.”
Carter reiterated the firm commitment of the United States to support France and move together to ensure ISIL is dealt a lasting defeat, the press secretary said, adding that they agreed to continue to remain in close contact in the days ahead.