WASHINGTON, June 22, 2016 — Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work met with Dutch Defense Minister Secretary-General Wim Geerts at the Pentagon yesterday, according to a statement provided by Work’s spokesperson, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson.
The two leaders discussed the strength of the U.S.-Dutch defense relationship, the security environment in Europe and the Middle East and comprehensive strategy and capabilities to degrade and destroy the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Hillson said.
Work and Geerts also exchanged insights on sustaining robust military capabilities and noted the benefits of defense cooperation for both nations, she said.
“The deputy secretary thanked Geerts for the Netherlands' progress toward meeting the NATO target of two percent [gross domestic product] spending on defense and for the Dutch contribution to joint NATO deterrence efforts,” Hillson said.
The leaders agreed to continue an in-depth dialogue on defense issues, she said.