U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Argentine Minister of Defense Luis Petri to reinforce the growing defense partnership between the United States and Argentina. During the call, Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for Argentina’s participation in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to a democratic and sovereign Ukraine, capable of defending itself against Russian aggression.
The discussion highlighted Argentina’s expanding defense role, including its interest in becoming a NATO Global Partner and its decision to join the Combined Maritime Forces in the Middle East. The two leaders also acknowledged Argentina’s renewed participation in the State Partnership Program with the Georgia National Guard.
Secretary Austin further thanked Minister Petri for hosting the XVI Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas, scheduled to take place in Mendoza, Argentina, from October 13-16, 2024. Both leaders agreed on the Western Hemisphere’s critical role in upholding a rules-based world order and pledged to continue their engagement on shared defense priorities.–News Desk