Ambassador Sedgwick and PM, MOD Radicova Discuss U.S. Defense Strategy

January 16, 2012

Ambassador of the United States to Slovakia Theodore Sedgwick met with Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Iveta Radicova January 16 to discuss the new U.S. defense strategy for the 21st century, which President Obama unveiled at the Pentagon January 5. The Ambassador and Prime Minister agreed that Slovak-U.S. military cooperation is excellent and continues to expand. The Ambassador told the Prime Minister that, even with the changes contained within the new defense strategy, the United States remains committed to the security of our allies across Europe and emphasized the key role NATO plays in maintaining stability worldwide. The Ambassador and Prime Minister also discussed the need, even in times of austerity, to ensure defense and security issues remain top budget priorities. The Ambassador added that the shift in U.S. security focus means the United States will rely, now more than ever, on allies like Slovakia to ensure their militaries remain capable, interoperable, and deployable as full security partners.