WASHINGTON—Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, met today with former Secretary General of NATO and Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Representative Engel shared his views that all prudent steps must be taken to continue to preserve and strengthen the transatlantic alliance. He stressed the need to continue to work closely with allies, even as the NATO alliance is tested by internal political forces and external pressure from Russia.

Rep. Engel and Rasmussen also extensively discussed the continued need to counter Russian aggression in Europe, Ukraine, and toward democratic elections, and how to best employ sanctions to impose a cost on Russia for its actions. They also discussed Russia’s violation of the INF Treaty and the impact that this violation and any subsequent U.S. response could mean for NATO’s security.

Rep. Engel also heard from Mr. Rasmussen on the work he is leading as co-chair (with former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff) of the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity. The Commission is focused on addressing vulnerabilities in US and European electoral systems and preventing electoral meddling.

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