WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton. In their call, Secretary Austin and Minister Dutton continued their ongoing dialogue on issues confronting the U.S.-Australia Alliance. The Secretary and the Minister reviewed progress on Alliance priorities and reinforced the need for collaborative approaches to address security challenges throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The Secretary and the Minister committed to work together with likeminded partners and acknowledged the close alignment regarding regional and global security concerns. Secretary Austin reaffirmed he looks forward to the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) meeting this fall, as well as the 70th anniversary of the Unbreakable Alliance.