Defense Secretary Ash Carter telephoned French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian today and thanked him for France’s strong and enduring partnership over the years, according to a Defense Department news release.
Carter described the relationship as excellent and getting better, noting improvements to security cooperation, the release said.
Le Drian underscored close U.S.-France operations in multiple theaters and told Secretary Carter that U.S.-French solidarity is as strong as ever, according to the release.
This was Carter's first conversation with Le Drian, the release added, and the two leaders noted that they look forward to meeting in person soon.