March 27, 2020
Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper's Phone Call With Italy Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini

Pentagon Press Secretary Alyssa Farah provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper spoke with Italian Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini by phone on March 26 to discuss Italy's COVID-19 emergency and U.S. support to Italy.

Both the Secretary and the Minister offered sympathies to those affected by the Coronavirus in Italy and the United States, and particularly for those that have succumbed to the virus.

Minister Guerini thanked the Secretary for the concrete gestures already made with the provision of medical equipment and supplies in Lombardy, as well as efforts by the U.S. NGO Samaritan's Purse. Guerini said these things demonstrate the strong U.S. friendship and our military cooperation.

The Secretary reinforced that the United States and Italy stand in solidarity as we face this crisis together, especially since many thousands of U.S. citizens at our bases in Italy are also affected by Italy's crisis. The Secretary noted we are looking at what additional support we can provide.

Minister Guerini requested that the Secretary pass on thanks to President Trump and the American people.

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2128053/