WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton by phone today, reaffirming the strength, endurance, and resilience of the U.S.-Australia Alliance – the Unbreakable Alliance.
Secretary Austin conveyed appreciation for Australian support to premier Alliance activities – especially the 2021 deployment of the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin.
Secretary Austin and Minister Dutton committed to sustain progress on Alliance priorities, reiterating their support for collaborative approaches to address security challenges throughout the Indo-Pacific region – working together with other likeminded partners.
Secretary Austin and Minister Dutton acknowledged the close alignment in both nations’ perspectives and priorities in addressing pressing regional and global security concerns.
Secretary Austin emphasized the importance of maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific – founded on broadly held international rules, laws, and norms.
Secretary Austin looks forward to the annual Australia-U.S. Ministerial (AUSMIN) meeting this fall and the opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Unbreakable Alliance.