Readout of Secretary Hagel’s Meeting with Afghanistan’s Minister of Defense Bismillah Khan Mohammadi
June 05, 2013

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little provided the following readout:

“Secretary Hagel met with Afghan Minister of Defense Bismillah Khan Mohammadi prior to the NATO Ministers of Defense session with non-NATO ISAF Contributing Nations.

“Minister Mohammadi provided his assessment of Afghan National Security Forces operations throughout the country and Secretary Hagel commended their progress.

“Secretary Hagel expressed his deep respect for the tremendous sacrifices Afghan security forces are making in defense of their nation. The ministers discussed planning for upcoming transfer to full Afghan security lead.”