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U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) News Release

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met today with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh at the Pentagon. The Secretary was joined by Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

During the 30 minute meeting, the three leaders discussed regional security interests and bilateral issues including: counter-terrorism, and the details of the new 30-year land lease to support U.S. Forces at Camp Lemonnier.

Secretary Hagel reiterated the United States' commitment and partnership for regional security in the Horn of Africa and efforts to prevent al-Qa'ida and al-Shabaab from threatening stability and the free flow of commerce. He also stressed the importance of the newly-established bi-lateral forum to discuss mutual security issues.

The Secretary lauded Djibouti's contributions to the African Union Mission in Somalia and the leaders discussed current and future United States' support for Djiboutian security forces participating in AMISOM.

The conversation ended with Secretary Hagel commending the courage of Djiboutian forces in operations against terrorists and thanking President Guelleh for hosting and helping ensure the safety of U.S. personnel in Djibouti.

http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16694