US defence chief visits “Anthropoid” church in Prague

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin began his trip to Prague on Friday with a visit to the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius, where seven Czechoslovak paratroopers died in June 1942 in a gun battle with German troops after having assassinated high-ranking Nazi Reinhard Heydrich.

Speaking after a meeting with Czech Defence Minister Jana Černochová, Mr Austin said the United States remains steadfast in its commitment to defend the freedom and sovereignty of its allies. He also said his country will continue to stand against Russia’s assault on democracy, sovereignty and the rules-based international order.

Ms Černochová described the United States as Czechia’s most important ally. The two countries want to speed up negotiations on a defence cooperation agreement, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in two weeks’ time.

The US Defense Secretary also held talks with President Miloš Zeman and Prime Minister Petr Fiala.