Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder Holds a Press Briefing

Excerpt:  “The meeting was a great kickoff to NATO summit events this week, which provide an opportunity to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance. During their meeting, the Secretary underscored the progress NATO has made on strengthening its deterrence and defense and thanked Secretary General Stoltenberg for his leadership of the alliance during one of the most challenging periods in NATO’s history. A full readout of the meeting is available on the DOD website. Of note, following the meeting, Secretary Austin presented Secretary General Stoltenberg with the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the highest honor that a Secretary of Defense can present to a non-US citizen, in recognition of Secretary Stoltenberg’s decade of skillful, principled and visionary leadership.”