(VOVworld) – US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel underlined the importance of the US rebalancing strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks during a press conference after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, in August, 2013. (Photo: AP)

Addressing a press conference on Monday, prior to the ASEAN-US Defense Ministers Meeting hosted by the US for the first time, he said that the meeting’s agenda would underline Washington’s pledges with its allies in the Asia-Pacific. He said the meeting was an opportunity to discuss US-involved issues and security issues challenging peace, security, prosperity, and the future of the Asia-Pacific and that the US hoped to continue building ties with countries in the region.