WASHINGTON -- Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby provided the following readout:

Today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke on the phone with his Singapore counterpart, Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen.

Minister Ng congratulated Secretary Austin on his confirmation as Secretary of Defense, and the two leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the U.S.-Singapore bilateral defense relationship. Secretary Austin and Minister Ng discussed COVID-19, and Secretary Austin applauded the strong measures Singapore has taken with its response efforts.

Secretary Austin expressed appreciation for the regional access Singapore provides to U.S. forces, and both leaders expressed interest in further collaboration on U.S. force posture and counterterrorism. Secretary Austin and Minister Ng exchanged views on the regional security environment.

Finally, Secretary Austin and Minister Ng noted that they look forward to meeting in person.