Mattis in meetings with NATO defence ministers
ADVERTISEMENTNew US Defence Secretary James Mattis is in Brussels to meet NATO defence ministers.
Mattis is on a bridge building exercise following Donald Trump’s campaign criticisms of NATO.
However, he looks set to demand that NATO members increase their financial commitment to the alliance.
A pleasure to welcome back an old friend of #NATO, #SecDef Mattis. Transatlantic bond, fight against terrorism & defence spending on agenda. pic.twitter.com/cyLOELKjUo
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 15, 2017
Mattis said: “The events of 2014 were sobering and we must continue to adapt to what’s been revealed to us in terms of our security challenges. The alliance remains a fundamental bedrock for the US.”
Mattis shared a platform with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Norwegian said:“The challenges that we face are the most complex and demanding in a generation. Neither Europe nor North America can tackle them alone. Therefore I welcome the US commitment to the transatlantic bond.”
US Secretary of Defence #Mattis: “We should never forget that ultimately it is freedom that we defend here at #NATO.” pic.twitter.com/sZTaWjlzhz
— Rehanna Jones (@RehannaJB) February 15, 2017
Russia annexation of Crimea, a perceived increase of terrorist activity, fragile economies on NATO’s borders has boosted defence spending in Poland and the Baltic nations to offset reductions in Italy, Britain, France and Belgium.