WASHINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu on Monday talked over the phone about security issues, and agreed to continue discussions over missile defense, the Pentagon said.
In a statement, the Pentagon said Shoygu called Hagel to congratulate him on his recent appointment as secretary of defense. Apart from missile defense, the two also discussed a variety of issues in the phone call, including Afghanistan, Syria, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Iran.
Shoygu expressed his desire to reconvene missile defense discussions with the U.S. side at the level of deputy ministers. Hagel agreed on the Russian defense minister's proposal, reiterating the importance of such talks to U.S.-Russian relations. He assured Shoygu that these discussions would continue and be carried forward by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Jim Miller.
Hagel also told Shoygu in the phone call that the security transition in Afghanistan is progressing as the capabilities of the Afghan National Security Forces continue to improve. He promised that the U.S. would keep Russia and others concerned informed throughout the process.
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