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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's meeting with Australian Minister of Defense David Johnston

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary Hagel met in today at the NATO Summit in Wales with Australian Minister of Defense David Johnston.

Secretary Hagel and Minister Johnston discussed a range of issues of mutual concern, including the situations in Ukraine, Iraq and Afghanistan. Specifically, the two leaders highlighted to need to build a coalition to help address the threat posed by ISIL.

Secretary Hagel thanked Minister Johnston for Australia's contributions to humanitarian assistance missions in Iraq and both leaders expressed concern about the growing threat of foreign fighters inside ISIL.

Secretary Hagel and Minister Johnston also discussed the ongoing election audit process in Afghanistan and both agreed on the need for the formation of a unity government as soon as possible.