I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO.

Through NATO, the United States has 31 friends and allies who help advance U.S. interests, multiply American power, and ensure American security.

Together, NATO allies represent half of the world's economic power and half of the world's military power.

We face a growing number of challenges around the world, from a more aggressive Russia to terrorism to strategic competition with China and the increasing rapprochement of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

Cooperation within NATO helps deter aggression, protect our collective security and support our economy.

President-elect Trump demonstrated strong U.S. leadership in his first term – a term that turned the tide on European defense spending, improved transatlantic burden-sharing and strengthened the alliance's capabilities.

When President-elect Trump takes office again on January 20, he will be greeted by a stronger, larger and more unified alliance.

Two-thirds of Allies now spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense, and defense spending and production are on an upward trend across the Alliance.

We must continue these efforts to maintain peace and prosperity in North America and Europe.