Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Bilateral Meeting With France Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met France Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly today at the Pentagon to reaffirm the deep cooperation between our governments and militaries.

The leaders discussed the importance of transatlantic cooperation and unity, particularly as strategic competitors contribute to increased security challenges worldwide. They also discussed bilateral cooperation and opportunities for continued engagement in the Middle East and Africa, where France and the United States have a long history of working together to address common challenges.

Secretary Austin committed to continuing consultations with France and other NATO Allies on strategic reviews, including the National Defense Strategy. Minister Parly conveyed appreciation for the United States’ reinvigorated engagement with NATO Allies and EU partners, noting the recent NATO and EU Leaders Summits attended by President Biden.

Secretary Austin and Minister Parly concluded their meeting with a signing ceremony of the U.S.-France Roadmap for Increased Cooperation in the Area of Special Operations. The Roadmap signals U.S. and French intent to identify areas where increased special operations coordination and cooperation is possible.

After their meeting, Secretary Austin and Minister Parly visited U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Maryland, where they discussed shared interests, opportunities, and initiatives in cyberspace to deepen the enduring U.S.-France bilateral partnership.