NATO HQ, Brussels: US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis reconfirmed the  US engagement in NATO, as a “bedrock” of the Transatlantic security, however the issue of budget stays as a priority. The current practise of a number of the NATO members to act as security-consumers does not correspond to the vision of the fair burden-sharing of the new US administration.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the meetings of NATO Defence Ministers, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Allies will take decisions to ensure NATO stays strong and flexible in the face of evolving challenges, adding that a strong NATO is good for Europe and North America.