Mattis Visits Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Kuwait

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December 2017

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis concluded a five-day trip to reaffirm enduring U.S. commitments to partnerships in the Middle East, West Africa and South Asia. In Egypt, Mattis met with that country's leaders before heading to Jordan to attend a meeting on countering violent extremism. He then visited Pakistan and Kuwait for meetings with government and military leaders.

Mattis Meeting - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah during a visit to Kuwait, Dec. 5, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary walks alongside the Emir of Kuwait

Secretary Meeting - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis walks alongside Kuwaiti Defense Minister Mohammad Khalid Al Sabah during a visit to Kuwait City, Kuwait, Dec. 5, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and the Pakistani prime minister sit across from each other at a table with other officials.

Leader Meeting - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, center left, meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during a visit to Islamabad, Dec. 4, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis shakes hands with a Pakistani general in a room.

Leader Handshake - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Bajwa during a visit to Islamabad, Dec. 4, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and a Marine face each other as other Marines stand by in formation.

Promotion Ceremony - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis promotes a Marine to the rank of staff sergeant after arriving at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Dec. 4, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis sits at a table for a meeting with Kuwaiti leaders.

Kuwait Meeting - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Kuwaiti Defense Minister Mohammad Al Khalid Al Sabah in Kuwait, Dec. 3, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis shakes hands with a Kuwaiti military officer.

Kuwait Arrival - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis shakes hands with Kuwaiti Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Mohammed Khaled Al-Khadherwhile after arriving in Kuwait, Dec. 3, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks with reporters aboard a plane.

Flight Briefing - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks with reporters during a flight from Aqaba, Jordan to Kuwait, Dec. 3, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis reviews the troops.

Troop Review - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis reviews Egyptian service members during arrival ceremonies in Cairo, Dec. 2, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and the Egyptian defense minister stand at attention.

At Attention - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Sedki Sobhi stand at attention during a ceremony in Cairo, Dec. 2, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis walks along a red carpet as he reviews Egyptian service members.

Arrival Ceremony - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis reviews Egyptian service members during arrival ceremonies in Cairo, Dec. 2, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis shakes hands with the Egyptian defense minister.

Defense Handshake - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis shakes hands with Egyptian Defense Minister Gen. Sedki Sobhi in Cairo, Dec. 2, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with the Egyptian president.

Cairo Meeting - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, Dec. 2, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Presidential Meeting - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, Dec. 2, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis talks to reporters aboard an aircraft.

En Route Remarks - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks with reporters during a flight to Egypt after departing from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Dec. 1, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks to reporters.

News Briefing - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks with reporters during a flight to Egypt from Joint Base Andrews, Md., Dec. 1, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

News Brief - Defense Secretary James N. Mattis speaks with reporters during a flight to Egypt after departing Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Dec. 1, 2017. DoD photo by Army Sgt. Amber I. Smith | Flickr Album

Transcript

News Releases

U.S.-Kuwaiti Partnership Forged in 1991 Endures, Mattis Says

Says The relationship forged between the United States and Kuwait during the war for Kuwait’s liberation in 1991 continues to grow, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told reporters traveling with him.Story

Mattis Thanks Kuwaiti Emir for Ongoing Support

Defense Secretary James N. Mattis met in Kuwait today with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, following meetings Dec. 3 with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Mohammad Al Khalid Al Sabah. Story

Secretary Recognizes Pakistan’s Role in Counterterrorism Fight

Speaking with Pakistani leaders in Islamabad, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis recognized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war on terrorism and emphasized the vital role the nation can play in helping to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan. Story

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ABOUT THE SECRETARY

James N. Mattis became the 26th defense secretary Jan. 20, 2017. During more than four decades in uniform, he commanded Marines at all levels, including in combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a joint force commander, he commanded U.S. Joint Forces Command, NATO's Supreme Allied Command for Transformation and U.S. Central Command.