Readout of PDO Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Anthony Tata Meetings With Senior Officials in Equatorial Guinea

 Jan. 10, 2021

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Anthony Tata, performing the duties of (PDO) under secretary of defense for policy, met with the President, Vice President, and Ministers of Defense, Foreign Affairs, National Security and Health of Equatorial Guinea during a stop in Malabo January 9-10.  

PDO USD(P) Tata noted that Equatorial Guinea’s progress in combatting trafficking in persons and movement from the Tier 3 to Tier 2 Watchlist of the “2020 State Department Trafficking in Persons Report” had provided the opportunity for a high-level engagement with the Department of Defense, as Equatorial Guinea requested last year.  He noted his purpose was to set expectations regarding the rules and norms that would need to guide a defense relationship going forward, including continued progress on trafficking in persons, successful human rights vetting of security forces with which the United States would engage, and avoiding certain harmful security engagements.

PDO USD(P) Tata also shared his views on the People’s Republic of China and Russian activities on the continent.  While the United States does not oppose activities that adhere to transparent international standards, concerns are raised when security engagements fall short of international standards, compromise sovereignty or impact our shared security interests.

The leaders exchanged views on Equatorial Guinea’s security priorities and vision for potentially expanding the bilateral relationship, specifically discussing maritime security issues in the Gulf of Guinea region and recognizing piracy as a shared area of concern for potential future cooperation.  Mr. Tata thanked Equatorial Guinea’s leaders for their participation in the “2020 Friends of the Gulf of Guinea” plenary session last month, which the United States had the privilege of co-chairing with Gabon.  

PDO USD(P) Tata also presided over a distribution ceremony with the Ministry of Health for DoD-funded donations of personal protective equipment, voltage regulators and freezers to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The U.S. Department of Defense will continue to execute its mission, including by strengthening alliances and developing new partnerships, as we uphold our oath of office and the Constitution.

Readout of PDO Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Anthony Tata Meeting With Senior Officials in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 Jan. 10, 2021

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Anthony Tata, performing the duties of (PDO) under secretary of defense for policy, met with His Royal Highness Khalid bin Salman, Saudi deputy minister of defense, and other senior officials in Riyadh January 7.

PDO USD(P) Tata underscored the strength of the U.S.-Saudi defense partnership, particularly in light of the threats by Iran.  He expressed his gratitude for the Kingdom’s commitment to share the responsibility for supporting U.S. forces. 

PDO USD(P) Tata and HRH Salman agreed to deepen the U.S.-Saudi defense relationship and explored ways to promote and enhance comprehensive defense cooperation that will support regional peace and stability.  To that end, they signed a Defense Cooperation Plan that solidifies new and existing areas of cooperation.

PDO USD(P) Tata emphasized U.S. concern over continued threats and attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen against Saudi Arabia, and support for the Saudi Ministry of Defense transformation efforts which are improving force development and strategic planning to address shared security challenges.

The U.S. Department of Defense will continue to execute its mission, including by reassuring allies and partners of our nation’s steadfast resolve, as we uphold our oath of office and the Constitution.

Readout of PDO Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Anthony Tata Meetings With Senior Officials in Mozambique

 Jan. 10, 2021

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Anthony Tata, performing the duties of (PDO) under secretary of defense for policy, met with Mozambican Minister of Defense Jaime Neto and Minister of Interior Amade Miquidade during a visit to the country January 8.

PDO USD(P) Tata highlighted the U.S. government’s interest in growing its partnership with Mozambique to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremism in northern Mozambique.  Parties reviewed the ongoing security situation in northern Mozambique, where ISIS-linked groups have contributed to the killing of over 2,000 people and displacement of over 500,000 people. 

PDO USD(P) Tata discussed potential Defense Department training for the Mozambique military to improve its capability to defeat ISIS and bring stability to the region.  Both sides agreed on the importance of identifying needs in the areas of equipment and services, including in strategic planning to counter this threat. 

The U.S. Department of Defense will continue to execute its mission, including by strengthening alliances and developing new partnerships, as we uphold our oath of office and the Constitution.