Mattis Heads To France, Belgium Next Week For NATO Ministerial - Pentagon

Sumaira FH Published September 25, 2018 | 03:39 AM

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 25th September, 2018) US Secretary of Defense James Mattis is set to visit France and Belgium next week for NATO's defense ministerial meetings, the Pentagon said in a press release.

"The secretary announced he will travel to France and Belgium to take part in NATO's Defense Ministerial Meeting," the release said on Monday.

North Atlantic Council (NAC) meetings, the release added, at the level of defense minister will take place at the new NATO headquarters on October 3-4.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said earlier this month the participants of the meeting will focus on increasing efforts on defense spending. The statement echoed President Donald Trump's position who has repeatedly complained that the United States spends way too much on the alliance compared to other members.