Pence reassures European Union about Trump policies

On first trip aborad, vice president meets with EU Council head

Vice President Mike Pence reassured the European Union on Monday of President Trump’s commitment toward a continuing partnership with the 28- member bloc.

Pence is making his first trip abroad as vice president amid skepticism among European leaders over the direction of Trump’s foreign policies.

“Today it is my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union,” Pence said following a meeting with EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels on Monday.

He called the conversation “very constructive and productive.”

“Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same marriage, the same values, and above all, the same purpose — to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” Pence said.

“We reaffirm our commitment to a free, fair and flourishing economies that undergird our success and a cooperation in achieving that,” he added. Pence called on Europe to join the U. S. in intensifying efforts to fight terrorism, which he said would need more coordination between the EU and NATO.

Tusk thanked Pence “for being so open and frank with me” during the meeting, saying too much had happened over the past months “for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be.”

“Today I heard words which are promising for the future, words which explain a lot about the approach of the new administration in Washington,” Tusk said in a statement.

Tusk said he voiced to Pence his belief that maintaining order based on international law were in the interests of the West, that “our security is based on NATO and the closest possible transatlantic cooperation,” and that the EU is counting on the United States’ “unequivocal support for the idea of a united Europe.”

“In reply to these three matters, I heard today from Vice President Pence three times ‘ yes’!” Tusk said.

THIERRY CHARLIER, AFP/ GETTY IMAGES Vice President Mike Pence, left, speaks with European Council head Donald Tusk in Brussels on Monday.