Pentagon Press Secretary John F.
Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary Austin met today with German Federal Minister of Defence Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer in Washington, D.C.
The leaders reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the United States and Germany, discussed the implementation of deliverables from the June 14 NATO Summit, and exchanged views on how the Alliance can adapt to face increasing regional and global security challenges in an era of strategic competition.
Secretary Austin and Minister Kramp-Karrenbauer also visited the USS Harry S.
Truman aircraft carrier, moored at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, where the two leaders recognized the dedication and sacrifices of the ship's crew as they prepare for their next deployment.
This visit underscored strong U.S.-German military cooperation, mutual commitment to deepening U.S.-German cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, and the importance of improving readiness and capabilities.
The two leaders also touched on the impact of climate change on security and military readiness.
The leaders agreed on the importance of continued close cooperation between the United States and Germany to strengthen the NATO Alliance, complete an orderly withdrawal from Afghanistan, uphold a rules-based international order, and counter the malign influence of strategic competitors.
