U.S. new Defense Secretary James Mattis called NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. During the conversation he assured them of the U.S. commitment to the alliance, U.S. Department of Defense reported.

The defense secretary, who previously served as NATO’s supreme allied commander for transformation, spoke with Stoltenberg to reconnect and discuss the key role NATO plays in transatlantic security, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis said. Mattis “wanted to place the call on his first full day in office to reinforce the importance he places on the alliance,” Davis said.

The two leaders discussed the importance of our shared values, and the secretary emphasized that when looking for allies to help defend these values, the United States always starts with Europe, the captain said.

Both pledged to consult in the months to come and look forward to meeting in person during next month’s NATO defense ministerial.