Mike Pence vowed a “steadfast and enduring” commitment to the European Union and the NATO alliance in remarks Monday in Brussels during his first trip abroad as vice president.

“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,” he said.

Pence, whose remarks came after meeting with EU president Donald Tusk, added, “The United States commitment to the European Union is steadfast and enduring. President Tusk, President Trump and I look forward to working together with you and the European Union to deepen our political and economic partnership.”

“We are separated by an ocean, but we are joined by a common heritage and a common commitment to freedom, to democracy and to the rule of law, and we’re confident that that bond will endure and grow in the years ahead as we meet our future together,” Pence continued.”

The reassurances from Pence come after Trump voiced public support for one of the EU nations to leave the pact — the United Kingdom — and as he called on NATO, which is mainly made up of EU nations, to pay more to keep up the alliance.

Tusk said he was reassured of Washington’s commitments after meeting with Pence.

“I heard words which are promising for the future, words which explain a lot about the new approach in Washington,” he said.

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