In his official visit to Europe, Vice President Mike Pence met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels and discussed crucial issues on Transatlantic Defense and Security. Vice President Pence reassured NATO and the European leaders of the United States’ wide-range partnerships with Europe …….and the enduring commitments to Transatlantic Relations.
Vice President Mike Pence and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg meeting at NATO Headquarters Brussels. February 20, 2017 © NATO
Excerpts from the remarks by Vice President Mike Pence in the press conference with NATO Secretary General:
“It is my privilege here at the NATO Headquarters to express the strong support of President Trump and the United States of America for NATO and our transatlantic alliance. ”
“The United States has been a proud and faithful member of NATO since its founding in 1949. This alliance plays a crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity in the North Atlantic and, frankly, in the entire world.”
“The United States’ commitment to NATO is clear. ” February 20, 2017 © The White House
Excerpts of the remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during press conference with Vice President Pence:
“The bond between the United States and NATO — between the United States and Europe embodied in the NATO alliance is very important today because we live in times of turmoil and instability, and then we need a strong alliance more than ever. And we are stronger when we stand together.”
“This will be an important point when allied leaders meet here in Brussels in May. So, Mr. Vice President, thank you for our excellent discussion. We agree that NATO is the most successful alliance in history because NATO has been able to adapt and change when the world is changing. And we agree that we must continue to change to keep our people safe. U.S. leadership remains indispensable. So I really look forward to working with you and to welcoming President Trump in Brussels in May.” February 20, 2017 © The White House
On the same day Vice President Pence met with EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini, and with the President of European Council Donald Tusk
Excerpts of the remarks by President of the European Council Donald Tusk following meeting with Vice President Pence:
“I asked the Vice President directly if he shared my opinions on three key matters: international order, security, and the attitude of the new American administration towards the European Union.”
“In reply to these three methods, I heard today from Vice President Pence three times, yes. After such a positive declaration, both Europeans and Americans must simply practice what they preach.”
“Referring to some statements made in Munich just two days ago, I would like to say clearly that the reports of the death of the West have been greatly exaggerated. Whoever wants to demolish that order, anticipating a post-West order must know that in its defense we remain determined.” Belgium February 20, 2017 © The White House
Excerpts of the remarks by Vice President Mike Pence following meeting with President of EU Council Donald Tusk:
“But the President did ask me to come here to Brussels, to the home of the European Union, and deliver an additional message. And so today it is my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union.”
“Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values, and above all, the same purpose: to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. And to those objectives we will remain committed.” Belgium February 20, 2017 © The White House
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