"The United States consulted before today's announcement closely with all Nato allies," said the Norwegians on Wednesday. The announcement underscored "the continued commitment of the United States for Nato and European security". "Peace and security in Europe are important for the security and prosperity of North America," said Stoltenberg. U.S. Secretary of defense Mark Esper had previously announced that the number of U.S. soldiers is to be reduced in Germany by about a third. Of the approximately 36 000 soldiers 6400 should be brought back to the United States, other 5600 are transferred to other Nato countries. The command center for the US troops in Europe will be transferred to the announcements, from Stuttgart to Mons in Belgium. There is one of the two strategic military main is already the headquarters of the Nato located.