Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III conducted an introductory call with his United Kingdom counterpart, Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, Sept. 18.
Secretary Austin highlighted the special relationship between the United States and United Kingdom, and the importance of close cooperation on defense issues.
The Secretaries discussed opportunities to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces, reaffirmed the importance of the AUKUS trilateral partnership, and highlighted their commitment to a strong and capable NATO Alliance.
The two leaders pledged to remain in close contact.