US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has discussed issues of mutual interest with his Spanish and Australian counterparts, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs George Little said. Panetta met with Spanish Minister of Defense Pedro Morenes in the Pentagon and discussed issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing crisis in Syria, Little said. Panetta made clear his view that Spain is a critical ally and praised Spanish leadership on global security matters. The two sides also discussed their shared commitment to building strong, capable, and sustainable Afghan National Security Forces, as well as their interest in enhancing bilateral defense cooperation. Panetta reiterated his deep appreciation to Spain for agreeing to host four Aegis-capable ships at Rota Naval Base that will contribute to NATO Missile Defense. Meanwhile, Little noted that the US Defense Secretary and Australian Defense Minister Stephen Smith talked by phone and discussed a range of defense issues, including the successful rotation of US Marines to Darwin. Panetta noted the key role that the Australian Defense Force plays in providing security in the Asia-Pacific region and in supporting stability in Afghanistan. With an eye toward the future, Panetta expressed great confidence in the US-Australian partnership, reaffirming that the United States has no closer ally than Australia.