U.S. Department of Defense

08/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2024 14:24

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Meeting With Brunei Minister of Defense II Pehin HalbiOn Camera Press BriefingPentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen.[...]

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met today with Brunei's Minister of Defense II Pehin Halbi at the Pentagon.

The two officials discussed U.S.-Brunei defense ties, including security cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing.

Secretary Austin and Pehin Halbi applauded the conclusion of the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement and the Section 505 Agreement, which will strengthen logistics cooperation and bolster security assistance, respectively, between the two countries.

U.S. Coast Guard Deputy Commandant for Operations Vice Admiral Peter Gautier joined the meeting to highlight opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard and Brunei.

Secretary Austin and Pehin Halbi closed the meeting by underscoring the importance of advancing U.S.-Brunei defense ties in support of their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.