Pentagon Spokesman Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with France's Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu today to discuss the security environment in Niger in light of recent developments in West Africa.
The Secretary and Minister shared their desire for a diplomatic resolution to the situation in Niger and emphasized the need for continued engagement with the Nigeriens and regional African partners.
Secretary Austin and Minister Lecornu affirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, enabled by the longstanding U.S.-France defense and security relationship.