US Defense Secretary Makes First Call To NATO Secretary General

The United States' new Secretary of Defense has made his first call to the Secretary General of NATO.

General Lloyd Austin spoke to Jens Stoltenberg over the phone shortly after arriving at the Pentagon.

It was the first call the retired four-star US Army general made to a foreign leader since being approved for the role.

According to a Pentagon statement, the Defense Secretary said he looked forward to "developing a close working relationship" with the alliance’s Secretary General.

During the call, the two discussed the importance of shared values between the US and the Alliance, we well as the current security environment and the missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gen Austin and Mr Stoltenberg also pledged to work together in the coming months.

General Lloyd Austin received US Senate confirmation to become the nation's first black Secretary of Defense on Friday.

It means the retired four-star US Army general has become President Joe Biden's second cabinet member.

Cover image: PA.