ISTANBUL

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen, reaffirming their commitment to modernizing Alliance command and expanding the bilateral military presence in Japan's Southwest Islands.

Austin spoke with Nakatani on Tuesday to congratulate him on his appointment "at a time when the United States and Japan continue making historic progress on Alliance priorities," spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a statement.

The two officials also reiterated "the importance of deepening defense cooperation with regional partners to advance a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region," it added.

"Secretary Austin expressed his hope that they would have an opportunity to meet in person soon," the statement said.