Defense Secretary Ash Carter spoke by phone this morning with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to convey his condolences for those killed during last night’s terrorist attacks in Paris, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.
In a statement summarizing the call, Cook said Carter told Le Drian that the men and women of the Defense Department stand with France entirely and are committed to helping France in any way they can.
“The U.S. and France maintain a close relationship in countering terrorism around the world, including direct action in North Africa, Syria, and Iraq,” he added.
The press secretary said Carter reiterated the U.S. commitment to stand by its oldest ally in taking additional steps to “respond to these barbaric attacks.”
The two defense leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days, Cook said.