Attributed to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Slovak Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak to express his deep concern regarding the heinous assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Secretary Austin extended his sympathies and best wishes for the Prime Minister's full and speedy recovery. He offered his support in the coming days and weeks.
Secretary Austin and Minister Kalinak also reaffirmed the strong defense relationship between the United States and Slovakia bilaterally and as NATO Allies.