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Immediate Release

Secretary Carter Hosts Defense Ministers for Counter ISIL Meeting

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will host ministers of defense and other senior leaders from nations of the counter-ISIL coalition and from NATO at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on July 20 to discuss the ongoing military campaign against ISIL. Thirty-four nations plus NATO have been invited to attend the second meeting of defense ministers contributing forces or basing to the counter-ISIL coalition.

The meeting comes at a significant moment in the counter-ISIL campaign. It follows Secretary Carter's visit to Iraq this week, in which he congratulated Iraq forces for recent progress against ISIL forces in Fallujah and Qayyarah and announced the latest support to help accelerate the campaign. The meeting will discuss progress to date, the essential next steps in the campaign and how the nations of the coalition can accelerate the drive to deal ISIL a lasting defeat.

The event begins with an official arrival honors cordon at 8:45 a.m. and concludes following a press conference with Secretary Carter that begins at approximately 1:45 p.m. Ministers may make themselves available to outlets for interviews following the press conference for up to an hour afterwards. Media will have access to a filing center with Internet access, and there will be outdoor camera locations available.

Media wishing to be credentialed for the event must RSVP by 5 p.m. July 15. Media credentialed for this event will be transported from the Joint Base Andrews Virginia Gate parking area to the meeting location on base. Two departure shuttles will run at 6:30 and 11:10 a.m. Two return shuttles will run at 2:20 and 3:30 p.m. To RSVP for this event, please contact Johnny Michael at OSD Public Affairs, johnny.i.michael2.civ@mail.mil by 5 p.m. July 15 and state which departure and return shuttles you will take. You will be required to present valid ID at the gate to match the name you present, so please include that full name in your response.

Spots are available for live trucks, but they will require arrival at 5:45 a.m. to ensure timely access due to inspection requirements. To reserve truck space, please RSVP no later than 5 p.m. July 15.