Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosted NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the Pentagon on January 29, 2024.
Secretary General Stoltenberg and Secretary Austin discussed strengthening NATO's credible deterrence and defense capabilities and reviewed progress on implementing decisions taken at the 2023 Vilnius Summit. They also exchanged views on the security situation in the Middle East, including by expressing outrage and sorrow for the death and wounding of U.S. troops in Jordan.
On Ukraine, both leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining Allied unity and discussed ongoing Alliance support. Each noted the criticality of rapidly increasing defense production to continue supporting Ukraine, to replenish Allied munitions and equipment stocks, and to meet the increased requirements of the defense plans adopted at the Vilnius Summit.
Secretary Austin and Secretary General Stoltenberg reaffirmed their support for Sweden's membership bid to join the Alliance and looked forward to Hungary concluding its ratification process. Both leaders looked forward to the upcoming NATO Defense Ministerial, as well as this July's 75th Anniversary Summit in Washington, DC.