IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pentagon Chief Spokesperson Dana W. White provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis met with Slovakian Minister of Defense Peter Gajdos today at the Czechoslovak Republic centennial celebration in Prague to reaffirm the longstanding defense ties between the United States and Slovakia.
The leaders discussed a number of issues, including the U.S. role in the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson's "14 Points" speech outlining principles to end World War I, including the right of the peoples of the Austro-Hungarian Empire to form their own states. This helped provide the basis for the union of Czechs and Slovaks. The bonds between the United States and Slovakia remain strong a century later.
Secretary Mattis thanked Minister of Defense Peter Gajdos for his country's continued support to global security and stability, including in Afghanistan, and the Middle East. The Secretary and Minister also discussed the importance of NATO strength, unity, and commitments from the NATO Summit in July.
Secretary Mattis underscored what a privilege it was to represent the United States at this important milestone in Slovakia's proud history.
