Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Twelfth Visit to the Indo-Pacific
25 November 2024
Source: Defense.gov
Washington, D.C. – Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his twelfth visit to the Indo-Pacific region today, following engagements in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
During his visit, Secretary Austin met with senior defense leaders and government officials to discuss a range of issues critical to regional security and stability.
Singapore
In Singapore, Secretary Austin met with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, and Chief of Defence Force Melvyn Ong to reaffirm the strong bilateral defense relationship between the United States and Singapore. They discussed ongoing cooperation in areas such as maritime security, cyber defense, and countering terrorism.
Secretary Austin also visited the USS Gabrielle Giffords, a guided-missile destroyer based in Singapore as part of the U.S. Navy’s rotational presence in the region. He met with the ship’s crew and thanked them for their service.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, Secretary Austin met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Defense Minister Mohamad Sabu to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Malaysia defense partnership. They agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security, defense capacity building, and the fight against violent extremism.
Secretary Austin also visited the TUDM Butterworth airbase, where he met with Malaysian Air Force leadership and toured the base’s facilities.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Secretary Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. to reaffirm the U.S.-Philippines alliance. They discussed ways to enhance defense cooperation, including expanding maritime patrols, joint military exercises, and humanitarian assistance.
Secretary Austin also visited the Philippine Navy’s flagship, BRP Jose Rizal, and met with the ship’s crew.
Regional Security
Throughout his visit, Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. He stressed the United States’ commitment to working with partners to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Secretary Austin also affirmed the U.S. commitment to the Indo-Pacific Strategy, which prioritizes strengthening alliances, deterring aggression, and promoting prosperity.
Conclusion
Secretary Austin’s twelfth visit to the Indo-Pacific region underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to the region and its partners. The engagements during the visit reinforced the importance of cooperation and collaboration in addressing common security challenges.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Twelfth Visit to the Indo-Pacific
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