Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III called Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto today to congratulate him on his new position. The two leaders reflected upon the close bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Italy, and discussed continued cooperation to support Ukraine, including air defense. Secretary Austin applauded Italy's leadership and robust contributions to coalition operations across the globe, and thanked Crosetto for Italy's hosting of U.S. forces. He also thanked the new minister for his commitment to sustain Italian security assistance support to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. The two leaders agreed to maintain the close cooperation to advance the U.S.-Italy defense partnership.