AlHijjah 29, 1435, October 23, 2014, SPA -- U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke with Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti Wednesday, the Pentagon said. Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said in a statement that Hagel made the call to thank Italy for its planned contributions to the anti-Islamic State (IS/ISIL) coalition in Iraq. "Secretary Hagel thanked Italy for its proposed contributions, stating that U.S. Central Command will work with Italy's military commanders to determine how best to integrate Italy's contribution into the overall effort," Kirby said. "The secretary also thanked Minister Pinotti for Italy's commitment to Afghanistan." "Both leaders pledged to stay in touch moving forward and to continue the close dialogue and cooperation," Kirby said.