U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves met with leaders and industry representatives in Netherlands and Belgium to improve economic and security relations between the United States and Europe.

According to a June 3 news release, Graves returned from The Hague, Netherlands, and Brussels, Belgium, where he had been meeting with leaders to advocate for better relationships and economic security relations between the U.S. and European partners.

“We had very productive talks in both The Hague and Brussels that will further strengthen the U.S.-EU transatlantic partnership,” Graves said, according to the release. “I am thankful for this opportunity to meet with our allies to emphasize the priorities of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the entire Biden-Harris administration as it relates to strategic economic recovery, regional security and commercial opportunity.”

During his trip to Europe, Graves met with representatives of leaders of the Dutch and Belgian governments and the European Commission, toured a number of superconductor facilities, delivered remarks at educational institutions and spoke with many other private and government representatives in order to better U.S.-Europe relationships in the commerce division, according to the release. 

The diplomatic trip concluded with Graves and members of the American Chamber of Commerce meeting with the European Union in Brussels to discuss industry challenges and opportunities in addition to the Commerce Department’s transatlantic priorities for the U.S. and European Union's commercial relationship.