The U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel wrapped up his Asia tour in Mongolia on Firday April 11th.

The Mongolian Defense Minister D.Bat-Erdene and other officials welcomed Mr. Hagel in a ceremony outside the Defense Ministry.

The Defense Minister of Mongolia D.Bat-Erdene conducted official talks with Mr. Hagel to exchange views on bilateral relations, in particular defense relations and cooperation, and future perspectives.

At the meeting the counterparts expressed their satisfaction that bilateral defense relations are in accordance with mutually beneficial interests, and are deepening the friendly relations between the two countries with new possibilities to strengthen trust in the region and globally based on main principles of securing peace and stability.

After the official talks Defense Minister D.Bat-Erdene and U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel signed a joint statement on Mongolia and the US security pledging to strengthen military cooperation and increase joint training exercises during a press conference.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense then met service men who completed the UN peace keeping mission in Iraq and Afghanistan to express his gratitude and took photos with them.

At the end of the meeting Defense Minister D.Bat-Erdene presented a horse as is traditional in Mongolia to Mr. Hagel.

US government officials headed by Mr. Hagel also visited Government House and met with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, N.Altankhuyag.