Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace

 Aug. 22, 2021

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Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:
 
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with U.K. Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace today about the situation in Afghanistan. Secretary Austin expressed his appreciation for the U.K.’s contributions to security and stability in Afghanistan as the United States, Allies, and partners continue their evacuation. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as both countries evacuate as many people as possible.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Call With Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

 Aug. 22, 2021

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Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to thank Bahrain for the government’s support in facilitating the safe transit of U.S. citizens and evacuees from Afghanistan.  The Secretary underscored the strong U.S.-Bahrain partnership, which enabled rapid and critical support to the situation in Afghanistan.

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah

 Aug. 22, 2021

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On August 22, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke by phone with Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah. Secretary Austin thanked Defense Minister Al-Sabah for helping to facilitate the transit of U.S. citizens and personnel from Afghanistan through Kuwait. 

The two leaders reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Kuwait defense partnership.  

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's Phone Call With Italy's Minister of Defense, Lorenzo Guerini

Aug. 22, 2021

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Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke today with Italian Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini regarding the latest developments in Afghanistan.  He expressed appreciation for the continued close coordination between Italy and the United States to safely evacuate our citizens, at-risk Afghans who supported the coalition war effort, and vulnerable Afghan nationals. 

In particular, Secretary Austin thanked Minister Guerini for Italy’s agreement to temporarily host Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) applicants and other Afghan evacuees at U.S. installations in Italy, as they are screened for onward travel to other destinations. The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as both countries evacuate as many people as possible.