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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With President of Republic of Palau, President Surangel Whipps Jr.

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd. J. Austin III met today with the President of the Republic of Palau, President Surangel Whipps Jr., to reaffirm the Department of Defense’s resolute commitment to the defense of Palau and discuss the United States - Palau strategic partnership.

Secretary Austin and President Whipps acknowledged the shared values and principles our nations promote to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Austin and President Whipps also reinforced the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region and the critical role of U.S. presence and investments in Palau.