US defence secretary James Mattis has hailed NATO as the “fundamental bedrock” of trans-Atlantic co-operation, as he met defence ministers for the first time.
“The alliance remains a fundamental bedrock for the United States and the trans-Atlantic community, bonded as we are together,” he said.
However, Mattis reiterated Trump’s demand that many NATO countries raise military spending.
“It was a fair demand that all who benefit from the best defence in the world carry their proportionate share of the necessary cost to defend freedom,” Mattis said.
The meeting came amid fellow nation’s concern over Trump administration’s tie with Russia.
Trump’s comment during the election campaign that US might not defend allies who do not contribute their “fair share” to NATO, have worried many European nations.
Multiple reports suggest that Russia allegedly violated a landmark arms control treaty by deploying a new cruise missile.
