Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III participated in his first in-person NATO Defense Ministerial on October 21-22 hosted by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. This visit marked the end of his regional trip, and enabled further discussion on security issues of mutual interest and the vital importance of our defense relationships in Europe as the basis for our collective security.
During his remarks, Secretary Austin emphasized his focus on advancing NATO's military adaptation and ensuring the Alliance is prepared for the challenges we will face in the future. He reinforced the United States' commitment to NATO and highlighted its role as the bedrock of trans-Atlantic security.
