Pentagon chief James Mattis met Friday with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, the US Department of Defense’s press service reported.

The sides discussed bilateral issues, as well as Washington’s position on the INF treaty.

“The leaders discussed a broad range of defense issues, including the U.S. position on the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty and exchanged perspectives on their respective recent trips to the Asia-Pacific region,” the statement said.

Secretary Mattis thanked Minister von der Leyen for her country's continued support to global security and stability, including in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

The US President Donald Trump voiced on October 20 that his country would withdraw from the INF Treaty, as Russia allegedly violates its conditions. Washington’s action was criticized in Russia, Berlin and Beijing.