Secretary of Defense Lloyd. J. Austin III held a phone call with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, underscoring his commitment to security and stability in the region and emphasizing the enduring strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.
Secretary Austin and Minister Kishi discussed efforts to deepen defense cooperation to maintain regional deterrence, and agreed to hold a Security Consultative Committee “2+2” meeting at an early date. They also emphasized the importance of close cooperation among the U.S., Japan, and the Republic of Korea.