Hagel: Re-balancing of US ties in Asia-Pacific to continue

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said on Monday that the re-balancing of America's relationship in Asia-Pacific region would continue in the future. The defense secretary told a press conference after meeting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace that the region was important for the future of the United States, as it has built friendship and partnership for years. "We have relationships, we have alliances, we have interests all over the globe. But this area is particularly important to the future of the U.S., the Asia Pacific," he said. "This rebalance is not just about security, it's not just about enhancing military relationship although it is important, security and peace is always important, but it's also focused on our diplomatic relationship, our economic, trade, commercial, cultural, education relationships," said Hagel. The defense secretary arrived in Jakarta on Monday and met with Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro after his meeting with Yudhoyono. Hagel is to attend the regional Defense Minister Meeting in Brunei this week.