The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will make his first official visit to Brussels next week, where he will participate in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers and will meet with top EU officials, with a view to reaffirming Washington’s “commitment” to its European partners.
The official agenda will begin on April 23 at the headquarters of the Atlantic Alliance, where the head of US diplomacy will have the opportunity to meet with the Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, and to discuss with the other partners the proposals for reform of the organization.
Among the “common challenges” to be addressed will be climate change, terrorism, cybersecurity and also the role of Russia and China, according to the statement released by the State Department. The message does not allude to other demands raised during Donald Trump’s time in the White House, who spared no criticism against allies to raise their Defense spending.
Blinken’s trip also includes meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell “to discuss transatlantic goals to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, pursue a sustainable global economic recovery, combat the climate crisis and strengthen democracy.”
Before returning to Washington on March 25, the U.S. Secretary of State will meet with Belgian Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès.
