Pentagon chief speaks with Nato chief
US Secretary of Defense James Mattis reassured Nato allies on Monday that Washington had an "unshakeable commitment" to the military alliance, despite President Donald Trump previously deriding the organization as "obsolete."
On his first full day in office Mattis spoke by phone with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and his British and Canadian counterparts.
Mattis "emphasized the United States' unshakeable commitment to Nato" in his call with British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said in a statement.
Mattis "emphasized the United States and the United Kingdom will always enjoy a uniquely close relationship, reflected in our defense ties which are a bedrock of US security."
British Prime Minister Theresa May will visit Washington on Friday, the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since he took office.
In his call with Stoltenberg, Mattis -- who had previously served in a senior Nato post -- discussed "the key role Nato plays in transatlantic security."
Mattis "wanted to place the call on his first full day in office to reinforce the importance he places on the alliance," the statement read.
"The two leaders discussed the importance of our shared values," and Mattis "emphasized that when looking for allies to help defend these values, the United States always starts with Europe."
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