WASHINGTON, June 24, 2016 — Following yesterday’s historic decision by voters in the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union, Defense Secretary Ash Carter spoke today by telephone with his U.K. counterpart, Defense Secretary Michael Fallon, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said in a readout of the call.

Carter emphasized that the U.S. and the U.K. will always enjoy a special relationship, the press secretary said, “one reflected in our close defense ties, which remain a bedrock of U.S. security and foreign policy.”

U.S., British Bonds Endure

The defense secretary reaffirmed that those bonds endure after yesterday's vote, Cook said.

Carter also emphasized the United States' unshakeable commitment to NATO, of which the United Kingdom is a vital member, the press secretary said, and to the vision the U.S. shares with its allies in the United Kingdom and other European nations.

Partnership for Global Security

Cook noted that the defense secretary welcomed Fallon's commitment to continuing the U.K.'s active and enduring role in global security issues, in particular its work within NATO and efforts to accelerate the lasting defeat of ISIL. The two leaders committed to work together to strengthen international partnerships that have helped ensure security for the U.S., the U.K., Europe and the world, he said.