Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has reported on a phone call between U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Argentine Minister of Defense Luis Petri. The conversation focused on strengthening the defense relationship between the United States and Argentina.
Secretary Austin expressed gratitude to Minister Petri for Argentina's participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Both leaders emphasized their countries' dedication to supporting Ukraine as a democratic, independent, and sovereign nation capable of self-defense against Russian aggression.
The discussion also highlighted the growing defense collaboration between the two nations. This includes Argentina's interest in becoming a NATO Global Partner, its decision to join the Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East, and its renewed involvement with the Georgia National Guard through the State Partnership Program.
Additionally, Secretary Austin acknowledged Minister Petri for hosting the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas, set to take place in Mendoza, Argentina from October 13-16, 2024.
The officials agreed on maintaining engagement regarding the Western Hemisphere's significant role in upholding a rules-based world order.
