Vice President Mike Pence attempted to calm any fears with allies and set a tone for United States foreign policy during the Munich security summit. Pence met with world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, sharing a sentiment that stands in slight contrast to what President Trump had said during his campaign according to CNN:
“Know this: the United States will continue to hold Russia accountable, even as we search for new common ground, which as you know, President Trump believes can be found,” Pence said during remarks at the Munich Security Conference, the first major foreign policy address of the Trump administration.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was also in attendance and shared a sentiment of opposition to the United States, arguing that there was a “post-west” world order and the United States dominance over global events is coming to an end:
“The US cannot be the only power,” Lavrov said. “We need to set up constructive US-Russia relations, economic and political cooperation. We don’t want Russia to be seen as less important. We want mutual respect to recognize the global needs.”
Pence was also sure to confirm the United States dedication to NATO at the event. The vice president pointed to America’s “unwavering support” to the alliance and that the fates of Europe and the United States were intertwined. This all follows fears that President Trump would follow through on his non-committal stance against defending NATO allies and his calls for more spending from NATO nations.
(Via CNN)