Wednesday, February 15, 2017

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Visits NATO

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attends a meeting with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen at the Pentagon in Arlington, U.S., February 10, 2017. REUTERS/MARY F. CALVERT

Reuters: Nervous NATO allies seek reassurance from Trump's defense chief

European allies will tell the United States' new defense secretary on Wednesday that NATO is not the weak alliance U.S. President Donald Trump has accused it of being, at one of the most anticipated NATO meetings in years.

At their first face-to-face encounter with Jim Mattis, European defense ministers will also seek reassurances from their U.S. counterpart that Trump is committed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has guaranteed Europe's security for almost 70 years.

"Mattis's performance is going to be really important," said Adam Thomson, a former British ambassador to NATO and director of the European Leadership Network think tank in London. "It is all about how credibly he appears to speak for the entire U.S. administration."

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More News On U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Visiting NATO

NATO vows 'unity' at Trump defence chief's debut -- AFP
Trump defence chief Mattis hails Nato as 'bedrock' of co-operation -- BBC
Mattis' Reassurance Tour in Europe Could Include US Requests -- AP
General Mattis goes to Nato -- Jonathan Marcus, BBC

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