US, UK defense chiefs discuss security ties after Brexit

By Kasim Ileri

WASHINGTON (AA) – Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on Friday told his British counterpart Michael Fallon that the U.K. would “remain a bedrock of U.S. security and foreign policy”.

“Secretary Carter emphasized that the United States and the United Kingdom will always enjoy a special relationship,” Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said of the telephone that took place within hours of U.K. voters choosing to exit the EU.

Carter said Washington would continue to work with London to ensure the security of both countries as well as the European continent.

Apart from economic and politic links, defense ties between the U.K. and the EU have become an immediate concern after the vote.

During Carter’s visit to Brussels earlier this month for a NATO ministerial meeting, he reportedly told Fallon that he would like to see the UK remain in the EU because its departure may weaken the military posture in Europe.

But Cook downplayed those concerns saying that the British military would remain engaged throughout the world.

“Britain will play its very important role, not only in NATO, but on the European stage and on the global stage as well,” Cook said.