
Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance defence ministers have discussed the US’ plans to reduce service members from Germany.
The discussions between Nato defence ministers, including US Defense Secretary Dr Mark Esperwere were held during a virtual meeting in Brussels.
It comes after US President Donald Trump earlier confirmed his intentions to reduce American troop presence in Germany.
Currently, the decision is to remove 9,500 US forces to bring down the count to 25,000 soldiers.
According to Stoltenberg, details about how and when the withdrawal will take effect is yet to be known, reports Jim Garamone.
Stoltenberg said: ”I have spoken with the president, I have spoken to other representatives of the US administration, and I’ve also spoken with the German Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, so there’s now an ongoing dialogue on this issue.
”My message is and remains … the importance of a North American presence in Europe because that binds Europe and North America together, and that’s good for both Europe and North America.”
The US maintains a larger military presence in European countries such as Germany, Italy, UK and Spain.
Over the past few years, it has increased its troops in Poland, the Baltic republics, Romania, and Norway.
During the meeting, the alliance also planned to discuss Russia’s nuclear-capable missiles and Nato missions in Afghanistan and Iraq.