UPDATE 2 - NATO, US discuss current security issues

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday discussed security issues, the alliance's chief said.

"Great discussion with @SecPompeo on current security issues. #NATO fully supports efforts to achieve peace in #Afghanistan. I condemn recent horrific attacks & NATO remains committed to supporting Afghan forces," Stoltenberg said on Twitter after a closed-door talk.

Pompeo, for his part, said it is always good to touch base with Stoltenberg on the many issues NATO addresses.

"The United States stands shoulder to shoulder with @NATO Allies to meet shared security challenges. #WeAreNATO," he said on Twitter.

Separately, Pompeo met with European Parliament President David Sassoli.

"Glad to welcome US Secretary of State @SecPompeo to @Europarl_EN. A friendly and hugely useful meeting in allowing us face global challenges together. The European Parliament is ready," Sassoli said on Twitter.

During his two-day trip to Brussels, he has gathered with NATO and EU leaders to discuss Transatlantic cooperation on economic and security issues.

On Monday, he met with incoming EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

"I’m happy to welcome @SecPompeo to Brussels. Great to getting to know each other better and talking to him about the #transatlantic relationship between the #EU and #US," she said on Twitter.