U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin, III

By Gary Raynaldo     DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reassured  NATO allies that  the  U.S. would not undertake a hasty or disorderly withdrawal from Afghanistan.  An agreement reached last year calls for the complete withdrawal of the remaining 2,500  American troops in Afghanistan by  May 1. The secretary of defense made the remarks during the final day of  the NATO Defense Ministerial meetings.  Allies focused on NATO operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as Alliance military readiness during Thursday’s virtual summit.  Secretary Austin reiterated to Allies that the U.S. remains committed to a diplomatic effort to end the war. He told the Allies that the U.S. is conducting a thorough review of the conditions of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement to determine whether all parties have adhered to those conditions. And the U.S. Defense Secretary made clear  he is committed to consulting with Allies and partners throughout this process.  On IRAQ, the Secretary reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS, respecting Iraq’s sovereignty, and ensuring long-term regional stability.  He noted that the recent rocket attack in Erbil underscores the importance of Allies’ continued work in the region.  Secretary Austin participated in his first NATO Defense Ministerial meeting this week. On the first day of the meeting,  Austin reaffirmed  President Biden’s message that the U.S. intends to revitalize its relationship with the Alliance.   NATO defence ministers met via  teleconference  to address key security issues.  These include the adaptation of the Alliance through the NATO2030 initiative, progress towards fairer burden-sharing, and NATO’s enhanced deterrence and defence.  Ministers also met in a separate session with NATO partners Finland, Sweden, and the European Union’s High Representative.