Kabul, Rabi'II 29, 1434, Mar 11, 2013, SPA - The visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel met privately with President Hamid Karzai and says they discussed the key issues. "I think he understands where we are and where we've been, and hopefully where we're going together," Hagel told reporters. Hagel said he's known Karzai since soon after the U.S. invasion in late 2001, adding that such extended relationships can often be beneficial, especially when dealing with complicated issues, according to a report of the Associated Press. --SPA 11:13 LOCAL TIME 08:13 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1086355