Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is set to embark on a trip to Brussels, Belgium, from October 16-18, 2024. The visit will include participation in several multilateral meetings such as the NATO Defense Ministerial and the Ministerial of the force contributing members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS). These meetings aim to strengthen NATO's collective defense posture, adapt the D-ISIS Coalition to evolving threats from ISIS globally, and enhance military support for Ukraine.
Following his engagements in Brussels, Secretary Austin will attend the inaugural G7 Defense Ministers Meeting on October 19 in Naples, Italy. During this event, he will meet with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and Japan's new Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen. Discussions at the G7 will focus on ensuring continued security assistance for Ukraine against Russia's aggression, addressing tensions in the Middle East, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, supporting partners in Africa, and enhancing cooperation on defense industry issues among leading democratic economies.
The Secretary will conclude his trip with official engagements in Vatican City.
