Secretary Esper Discusses Strengthening Allies and Partners at the Atlantic Council

FRED KEMPE: Mr. Secretary, the floor is yours for opening comments which will follow with a set of questions. Thank you. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MARK T. ESPER: Well, good afternoon, and thank you, Fred, for that kind introduction. It’s great to see you again. And thank you also for the quick remembrance of General Brent Scowcroft. He was a great man, an outstanding leader, and he is missed by all. He taught us all a great deal. So thank you for that too. It’s a pleasure to be here with all of you, and I want to thank the Atlantic Council for hosting today’s discussion. For decades, your expertise has been vital to strengthening transatlantic ties, and will be even more critical in the years ahe...