US defence chief says NATO is fundamental bedrock

BRUSSELS: US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said on Wednesday that the NATO military alliance was central to ties between America and Europe and was important for the United States.

"The alliance remains a fundamental bedrock for the United States and for all the transatlantic community," Mattis told reporters before a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels.

"As President Trump has stated, he had strong support for NATO," Mattis said, also pressing allies in Europe to increase defence spending.