Sat Nov 09 03:02:11 UTC 2024: ## Outgoing US Defense Secretary Austin Highlights Biden Administration’s Achievements in Foreign Policy
**Washington, November 9, 2024:** Despite the Democratic party’s defeat in the recent US Presidential elections, outgoing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asserted that the Biden administration has made significant strides in foreign policy, particularly in strengthening alliances and managing international crises.
In his first public remarks since the election, Austin pointed to the administration’s success in solidifying NATO, providing security assistance to Ukraine, and improving relations with key partners in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically highlighting the strengthened relationship with India and the Philippines. He also cited the AUKUS agreement as a major achievement, emphasizing its generational impact on regional security.
“We walked in the door and were about to get kicked out of the Philippines. We are 180 degrees out from that now,” Austin said, emphasizing the positive turnaround in US-Philippines relations. He also highlighted Japan’s doubled defense investment as a testament to the administration’s success in the Indo-Pacific.
When asked about the most crucial factor in the Democrats’ electoral defeat, Austin acknowledged that the economy was a significant issue for voters. However, he also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong international presence, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, stating that the administration had effectively managed these regions and prevented larger conflicts.
“We’ve done a magnificent job there in terms of managing things and not allowing things to blossom into a full-blown regional war,” he said.
While the Biden administration’s legacy remains to be fully assessed, Austin’s statement provides a glimpse into the outgoing administration’s perspective on its achievements in foreign policy.
First Piper 