Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Thirteenth Visit to the Indo-Pacific
December 13, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III concluded his thirteenth visit to the Indo-Pacific region, which took place from December 9-13, 2024.
During his visit, Secretary Austin engaged with senior leaders from several countries, including Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, and Australia. He also met with U.S. military personnel serving in the region.
Key Highlights of the Visit
- Japan: Secretary Austin met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada, and other senior officials. They discussed a range of issues, including deepening security cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and addressing common challenges.
- South Korea: In South Korea, Secretary Austin met with President Yoon Suk-yeol, Minister of Defense Lee Jong-sup, and other leaders. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the U.S.-ROK Alliance and discussed measures to strengthen deterrence against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
- India: Secretary Austin met with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior officials. They exchanged views on regional security, defense cooperation, and joint exercises.
- Indonesia: In Indonesia, Secretary Austin met with President Joko Widodo, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, and other officials. The two sides explored ways to enhance maritime security, counterterrorism, and defense cooperation.
- Australia: Secretary Austin met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister of Defense Richard Marles, and other senior officials. They discussed deepening cooperation in areas such as cyber security, logistics, and joint exercises.
Enhanced Partnerships and Cooperation
Secretary Austin’s visit underscored the United States’ commitment to enhancing partnerships and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the importance of building strong relationships, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, and working together to address common security challenges.
Strengthening Regional Stability
The visit also focused on strengthening regional stability and security. Secretary Austin discussed measures to increase deterrence capabilities, enhance maritime domain awareness, and promote peaceful resolution of disputes.
Appreciation for U.S. Military Personnel
During his visit, Secretary Austin expressed his deep appreciation for the contributions of U.S. military personnel serving in the Indo-Pacific region. He thanked them for their service, dedication, and professionalism in supporting U.S. interests and promoting stability.
Conclusion
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III’s thirteenth visit to the Indo-Pacific was a successful and productive one. It further strengthened partnerships, advanced regional cooperation, and reinforced the United States’ commitment to the security and stability of the region.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Concludes Thirteenth Visit to the Indo-Pacific
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