US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Embark on Key European Tour Including NATO and G7 Meetings

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is set to begin a significant European tour this Wednesday, starting with the NATO Defense Ministerial Meetings in Brussels, Belgium. The tour will include a first-ever G7 Defense Ministers Meeting in Naples, Italy, and other high-level engagements in Italy and Vatican City. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Pentagon outlined that Secretary Austin will be in Brussels from October 16-18, 2024, where he will participate in the NATO Defense Ministerial and the Ministerial meeting of the force contributing members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS). These meetings aim to enhance NATO's collective defense posture, adapt the D-ISIS Coalition to the evolving threat from ISIS in the Middle East and globally, and bolster military support for Ukraine. Following the NATO engagements, Secretary Austin will attend the inaugural G7 Defense Ministers Meeting in Naples on October 19. This meeting will focus on various critical issues including ongoing security assistance for Ukraine, de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, and discussions on maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. The G7 discussions will also cover support for African partners and foster further cooperation on defense industry issues among the world's leading democratic economies. During his time in Italy, Secretary Austin is scheduled to meet with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and Japan's new Minister of Defense, Nakatani Gen. The tour will conclude with official engagements in Vatican City, details of which are yet to be disclosed.