German, French defense ministers discuss Iraq, Ukraine

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen and her British counterpart Michael Fallon on Tuesday discussed the current situation in Iraq and Ukraine as well as the NATO summit slated for September in Wales, according to a ministry statement.

Von der Leyen said both ministers considered the U.S. air strikes against the Islamic State (IS) and arms shipments to Iraq as "good and correct."

They also expressed hope that the situation in Iraq could be improved with a possible new government under the leadership of Haidar al-Abadi, the statement said.

Speaking of Germany's response to the crisis in Iraq, von der Leyen reiterated her country's basic principle of not sending arms into conflict regions.

She added that aside from humanitarian aid, Germany could possibly send non-lethal equipments to support Iraq, such as armored vehicles, helmets and vests.

As for the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Fallon said "it is important to maintain the pressure on Russia and the sanctions," according to the statement.

Von der Leyen said both sides agreed that humanitarian actions in conflict areas should be conducted and coordinated exclusively by the Ukrainian government in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In addition, the two ministers discussed the current security developments as well as their consequences for the future of NATO. "I am firmly convinced that we will send a clear message of unity and determination at the NATO summit," von der Leyen said. Endit