Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Japan's Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen in Naples, Italy. The meeting took place during the G7 Defense Ministers' Meeting. Secretary Austin congratulated Minister Nakatani on his recent appointment.

The discussions between the two officials focused on the progress made by the United States and Japan in advancing their Alliance priorities. They confirmed their commitment to modernize Alliance command and control and to expand bilateral presence in Japan's Southwest Islands. Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for Japan's transfer of Patriot missiles to replenish U.S. inventories. He also welcomed advancements in U.S.-Japan defense industrial cooperation under the Forum on Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition, and Sustainment since its first meeting in June.

Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with like-minded partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. They expressed hope for future meetings during multilateral engagements in the coming months.