US, Vatican discuss situation in Ukraine and Middle East, affirm need for continued cooperation

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East with Pope Francis on October 23.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed deep gratitude for the Vatican's humanitarian efforts. (Source: CNN)

During the meeting at the Vatican, Secretary Austin expressed deep gratitude for the Vatican's humanitarian efforts.
The Pope and Mr. Lloyd Austin also spoke of the need for cooperation to alleviate the suffering of those affected by fighting, repression and displacement, and stressed the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in the process of resolving conflicts globally.

According to the Pentagon chief, the Pope is very focused on what is happening in Ukraine and also in the Middle East, as well as concerned about humanitarian issues in both regions.

Mr Austin also praised Pope Francis' spiritual leadership and his tireless efforts to promote peace , support refugees and address the impact of climate change on the world's most vulnerable communities.

Previously, on October 21, Mr. Austin also went to Kiev to show support for Ukraine in the context of the upcoming US presidential election.

Austin's visit comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western allies to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons and consider speeding up Kiev's bid to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/my-vatican-thao-luan-ve-tinh-hinh-ukraine-va-trung-dong-khang-dinh-nhu-cau-tiep-tuc-hop-tac-291163.html