Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Jonathan R. Hoffman provided the following readout:
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Michelle M. Lenihan co-chaired the U.S.-South Africa Defense Committee meeting (DEFCOM) with South African Chief of Defense Policy, Strategy, and Planning Dr. Thobekile Gamede in Pretoria, South Africa, Nov. 4-6. Lenihan was accompanied by a significant U.S. delegation, including senior leaders from the Joint Staff, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Africa and the New York National Guard. The annual meeting advances U.S.-South Africa relations and security cooperation.
Lenihan reaffirmed the U.S. Department of Defense's commitment to advancing the security relationship along major lines of effort through four working groups: policy and strategy; operations; human resources, development, and training; and acquisition and technology.
Lenihan thanked Gamede for South Africa's key partnership in southern Africa, saluting the country's leadership and role in the region.
"South Africa is a priority partner for the Department of Defense given our strong foundation and enduring ties. For both our nations, it is important to continue to advance our cooperative relationship," Lenihan said. "DEFCOM is the cornerstone of this relationship, and through our working groups this year we were able to identify the key initiatives that we will continue to build upon throughout the next year."