NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Thursday welcomed the newly-unveiled U.S. defense strategy, which called for a shift from Europe to the Asia-Pacific region, Xinhua reported.
Following the announcement by U.S. President Barack Obama, Rasmussen made the remarks, apparently in a bid to dismiss scepticism about the U.S. defense strategy adjustment.
"The announcement follows consultation with allies," he said. "As President Obama said, the U.S. will continue investing in NATO because the alliance has demonstrated time and time again - most recently in Libya - that it is a force multiplier."
"In an unpredictable world, the United States' affirmation that our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable to the security of all allies is key," Rasmussen said.
However, while acknowledging the continued importance of NATO, the strategy suggests a reduced U.S. military presence in Europe and says Asia will be a bigger priority.
In keeping with the evolving strategic landscape, particularly the drawdown in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. posture in Europe must also evolve, according to the strategy.
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