Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Japan's Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone today with Japan's Minister of Defense, Nakatani Gen.

Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Nakatani on his recent appointment at a time when the United States and Japan continue making historic progress on Alliance priorities. The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to modernize Alliance command and control and expand bilateral presence in Japan's Southwest Islands. The two officials also reiterated the importance of deepening defense cooperation with regional partners to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Secretary Austin expressed his hope that they would have an opportunity to meet in person soon.