Brasilia, July 27, 2022: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and a delegation including the Southcom Commander Gen. Laura Richardson traveled to Brazil to participate in the 15th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA), as well as a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from the hemisphere. The delegation discussed regional shared challenges and opportunities in an atmosphere of open dialogue and mutual confidence. Secretary Austin’s participation reflects the United States’ deep commitment to working alongside regional partners to chart our shared vision for a democratic, prosperous, and secure Western Hemisphere.
In his address to the CDMA, Secretary Austin stated that “our countries aren’t justbound together by geography. We’re also drawn closer by our common interests and common values – by our deep respect for human rights and human dignity, our commitment to the rule of law, and our devotion to democracy.”
In parallel to the conference, the Secretary participated in meetings with his counterparts from Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador. In their bilateral meeting, Secretary Austin and Brazilian Defense Minister Paulo Sergio Nogueira discussed a wide range of topics related to military cooperation , including health, training and cooperation, countering transnational threats, continuous professionalization, and activities aimed at greater military interoperability.
