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Immediate Release

Readout of Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper conducted a call with U.K. Secretary of State for Defense Ben Wallace.  Secretary Esper emphasized the continued importance of the two nations’ collaboration and friendship as they face challenges and opportunities together, both now and in the future.  

Secretary Esper and Secretary of State Wallace discussed the security situation in Afghanistan, the upcoming NATO Defense Ministerial, coordination in the Indo-Pacific, and continued carrier cooperation. 

The Secretaries also exchanged views on approaches to shared global security challenges and ongoing efforts to deepen U.S.-UK defense cooperation.