Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Japanese Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III held a call today with Japan's Minister of Defense Kihara Minoru.

The two officials welcomed ongoing and close coordination between the United States and Japan on the resumption of flight operations of V-22 Osprey aircraft by U.S. Forces Japan and the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Secretary Austin underscored that the safety of U.S. servicemembers and Japanese communities remains a top priority for the Department as V-22 aircraft in Japan prepare to return to flight.

The two officials also reaffirmed their commitment to further defense cooperation between the United States and Japan at a time of historic progress toward shared Alliance priorities for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Austin expressed his hope that the two officials would have an opportunity to meet again in person soon.