The secretary said he had just come from Saudi Arabia and Egypt — two other important U.S. security partners in the region — and noted that his discussions with both countries reinforced the need for vigilance and for the strongest possible cooperation in the international community “to defeat threats to all of our countries.”

Mattis said he and Lieberman had just finished their third meeting since January, and their close and regular dialogue is a reflection of the enduring bond between the two countries’ militaries.