Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Remarks Welcoming Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina to the Pentagon

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III: Well, good afternoon, Mr. President, and welcome to the Pentagon. You're visiting Washington at a historic time for the relationship between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia. Our defense ties run deep and they uphold peace and stability across the Pacific Islands, and we share a special bond. Under the Compacts of Free Association, the United States military serves as a defense force for the freely associated states, including Micronesia, and America's all-volunteer force draws strength from FAS citizens. We're grateful for the military service of your country's citizens, Mr. President, and we're proud to serve shoulder-to-sho...