Minister Vondra and Secretary Panetta focused their discussion both on bilateral issues such as the recently signed Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement and on cooperation within NATO headlined by the Multinational Aviation Training Center based in the Czech Republic. They both stressed the importance of NATO member countries fulfilling their obligations despite budget cuts in the tough economic times. Secretary Panetta appreciated the Czech participation in the ongoing mission in Afghanistan and the Czech capabilities in the area of protection against biological and chemical weapons.

On November 21, Minister Vondra continued his trip at the Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana where he met with Major General Everett Thomas, Vice Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command. He also participated in the opening of the exhibition "Our Security is Not Given" highlighting the NATO Days in Ostrava, Czech Republic.