President Trump’s chief economic adviser Gary Cohn and national security adviser H.R. McMaster linked Trump’s “America first” policies and rhetoric to the U.S.’s global leadership role in an op-ed Thursday.

“Central to President Trump’s approach is that the United States will seek areas of agreement and cooperation while still protecting American interests,” Cohn and McMaster wrote in a New York Times op-ed.

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The officials cited Trump’s participation in last week’s G-20 summit, calling it an example of the president working to “advance America’s interests and values, and to strengthen our alliances around the world.”

“Both this and his first trip demonstrated the resurgence of American leadership to bolster common interests, affirm shared values, confront mutual threats and achieve renewed prosperity,” they wrote.

The pair discussed the president’s focus on “building coalitions to get the best possible outcomes for America and for our allies,” but stressed the U.S. could not be a “passive member of international organizations.”

“America First is rooted in confidence that our values are worth defending and promoting. This is a time of great challenge for our friends and allies around the globe — but it is also a moment of extraordinary opportunity,” the officials wrote.

“The American delegation returned from the trip with tremendous optimism about the future and what the United States, our allies and our partners can achieve together,” they continued.

The op-ed comes as the administration attempts to promote the president’s “America First” policies promised in the 2016 campaign, while trying to maintain strong relationships in the global community.

Trump returned from the G-20 summit in Germany on Sunday, after holding meetings with a variety of world leaders.

Trump has complicated relationships with Western European leaders, partly due to his decision to pull the U.S. from the Paris climate accords and his past rhetoric on international pacts such as NATO.

The president has also expressed his frustration with China’s handling of the crisis surrounding North Korea’s weapons program in tweets, saying if they don’t handle the regime, the U.S. will.

While I greatly appreciate the efforts of President Xi & China to help with North Korea, it has not worked out. At least I know China tried! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 20, 2017

I have great confidence that China will properly deal with North Korea. If they are unable to do so, the U.S., with its allies, will! U.S.A. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2017

Trump is currently visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for France’s Bastille Day celebrations in an effort for the two leaders to become further acquainted.