Schatz Applauds Defense Secretary Hagel's Proposal To Host ASEAN Defense Ministers In Hawaii

WASHINGTON –Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel proposed holding the first-ever U.S.-hosted meeting of ASEAN Defense Ministers in Hawaii. Senator Brian Schatz released the following statement on the announcement:

“The Secretary of Defense’s invitation to hold the next ASEAN Defense Ministers’ meeting in Hawaii is great news for us. This Defense Ministers’ meeting addresses issues of vital importance to countries in the Asia Pacific, from maritime security cooperation to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “Holding the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ meeting in Hawaii would showcase Hawaii’s critical role in Asia and the Pacific. Because of its strategic location, Hawaii plays an important part in the United States’ ‘pivot to Asia.’ As Lieutenant Governor, I was closely involved when Hawaii hosted the APEC summit in 2011, which clearly demonstrated that Hawaii could tackle the security challenges of a high-level meeting in order to have a successful summit, and this meeting will provide further proof that Hawaii will continue to be a prime location to host national and international meetings that will bring in revenue for the state.  I look forward to working with the Defense Department on hosting the ASEAN Defense Ministers in Hawaii next year.”

For Secretary Hagel’s remarks, click here: http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1785

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