Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl spoke with French Ministry of the Armed Forces Director General for International Relations and Strategy Alice Rufo for their first engagement as counterparts, November 10. Dr. Kahl welcomed Ms. Rufo into her new role.
Ms. Rufo briefed Dr. Kahl on France’s strategic review, announced by President Macron on November 9 and released publically the same day. Dr. Kahl discussed the National Defense Strategy (NDS), which the Department rolled out in October. The leaders highlighted the parallels between French and U.S. strategies, and welcomed feedback and perspectives on the respective strategic documents. They also discussed the importance of Alliance unity to continue support to Ukraine, agreed to maintain close cooperation to reinforce security in West Africa, and shared perspectives on Indo-Pacific security.
Dr. Kahl and Ms. Rufo agreed to keep in close touch and expressed a commitment to further deepening the U.S.-France defense relationship, including over the course of upcoming senior leader meetings.