Secretary Austin and Defence Minister Bødskov reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral defence relationship between the United States and Denmark, in addition to the strong relationship through NATO, and the ongoing negotiations of a bilateral defence cooperation agreement that will further deepen the transatlantic bond between Denmark and the United States.

The United States and Denmark remain committed to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia's unprovoked and brutal invasion, underscored by the important work of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings and the recent Copenhagen Ukraine Conference. 

Secretary Austin and Minister Bødskov warmly welcome those countries that have already ratified the NATO accession protocols for Finland and Sweden and trust that the remaining nations will approve this measure which will make the Alliance even stronger. They reiterated the importance of further strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture, including in the Baltic Sea region, where Denmark assumes a special responsibility.

The two countries share a belief that democratic values, close cooperation on security issues, and U.S. military presence in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea region are vital for peace, prosperity, and stability; and that the increasing role and responsibility that Denmark is taking in the common defence and security is significant.