REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON -- US Defense Secretary Ash Carter on Monday met with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen at the Pentagon, discussing the two countries' continuing efforts in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

During the 45-minute meeting, the defense chiefs also discussed support to Iraq and Afghanistan, according to a statement of the U. S. Defense Department.

This was Carter's first meeting with his German counterpart.

Carter and von der Leyen emphasized the importance of NATO unity against "Russian aggression" and discussed ways to work together to support NATO reassurance measures, said the statement, adding that Carter voiced appreciation over Germany's support to Kurdish forces in fighting the Islamic State (IS).

The two leaders also expressed their commitment to a strong working relationship and noted that they are looking forward to meeting at the upcoming NATO ministerials, it said.

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