Defense secretary speaks with NATO leader on first full day

The Hill: Defense Secretary James Mattis spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, among other foreign leaders, on his first full day in office on Monday, signaling the importance he places on the alliance.  

"Secretary Mattis spoke today by telephone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to reconnect and discuss the key role NATO plays in transatlantic security," said a readout of the phone call by Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis.

"The secretary, who previously served as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, wanted to place the call on his first full day in office to reinforce the importance he places on the alliance," Davis said.

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