NATO Secretary General joins world leaders to pay tribute to Helmut Schmidt
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg joined dignitaries from around the world today (23 November 2015) in Hamburg to pay tribute to former German chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who passed away in early November. Upon Schmidt’s passing, Mr Stoltenberg described him as a great statesman who believed in the European project and in strengthening the transatlantic Alliance.
“Mr Schmidt was an insightful leader who understood that there is no contradiction between a strong defence and dialogue”, Secretary General Stoltenberg said in a written statement. “This provided a firm basis for constructive engagement during the Cold War. A principled leader, Schmidt stood behind his convictions even when they were unpopular,” he added.
The official state funeral took place in St. Michael's Church. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck were present. A number of international dignitaries, including former French President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and former Italian president Giorgio Napolitano, also attended.