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Russia's defense industry

Hagel, Shoigu hold first video conference

Hagel noted that the P5+1 Joint Plan of Action with Iran reached in Geneva did not eliminate the need for U.S. and European allies to continue implementing missile defense plans in Europe

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ITAR-TASS/EPA/ALEXANDROS VLACHOS

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu

© ITAR-TASS/EPA/ALEXANDROS VLACHOS

WASHINGTON, December 17. /ITAR-TASS/. The United States Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel, and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu held their first video teleconference on Monday to discuss several issues such as missile defense, Syria, cyber security and counteracting improvised explosive devices, the press office in the Pentagon said.

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US Defense Secretary says US will go on with antiballistic missiles program

Hagel noted that the P5+1 Joint Plan of Action with Iran reached in Geneva did not eliminate the need for U.S. and European allies to continue implementing missile defense plans in Europe. He stressed that U.S. and NATO missile defense efforts pose no threat to Russia, urging further consultations on future missile plans in Europe.

Hagel and Shoigu previously agreed to hold this teleconference on the sidelines of the August two-plus-two meeting involving Russian and U.S. defense and foreign chiefs.

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