MALCOLM Turnbull has held strategic trade and security meetings in Brussels with European Union President Jean-Claude Juncker and NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg.

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom also attended talks as the Prime Minister ramps up pressure for a free-trade agreement with Europe.

It is understood the meeting was positive, pointing to negotiations to start proper.

They agreed on the mutual benefits of an ambitious trade deal and the importance of free trade.

It is believed the leaders noted disturbing signs of protectionism and that old friends like Australia and the EU should stick together.

Mr Stoltenberg and Mr Turnbull held high-level talks about security in Russia, North Korea and the Middle East.

Mr Stoltenberg said NATO and Australia had been allies in the Middle East, where NATO is launching a new training mission in Iraq in July.

“This could be another area where NATO and Australia could join forces,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

“More than at any time since the end of the Cold War, NATO is central to that task of maintaining the security and compliance to rule of law that is the foundation of our freedom,” Mr Turnbull said.