WASHINGTON — US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III departs Sunday, Sep.5, on a Gulf trip to visit Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"Throughout his trip, Secretary Austin will meet with regional partners and thank them for their cooperation with the United States as we evacuated Americans, Afghans and citizens from other nations from Afghanistan," Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby said in a press statement on Friday.

Kirby noted that Austin would reaffirm during his visits the US strong defense relationships in the region.

"Secretary Austin will also meet with US service members and US government personnel to thank them for the skill and professionalism with which they conducted the evacuation," he added. — KUNA