NATO Secretary General underlines the need for NATO to take a more global approach
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed an online event of the German Institute for Global and Area studies (GIGA) on Tuesday (30 June 2020). Speaking about “The Geopolitical Implications of COVID-19”, the Secretary General called for a global approach to address the security challenges we face. He stressed NATO 2030 was recently launched to reflect on where we see our Alliance ten years from now and how it will continue to keep us safe.
On COVID-19, the Secretary General commended the role armed forces across NATO have played to help save lives. He underlined that NATO is currently preparing for a possible second wave of the coronavirus through a new operation plan, a new stockpile of medical equipment and a new fund to quickly acquire supplies and services.
The Secretary General also addressed the rise of China and he underlined NATO does not see China as an adversary. “But there is a clear pattern of authoritarian behaviour at home and increased assertiveness and bullying abroad”, he said.
The Secretary General also emphasized that the best way to face each of these global challenges is for Europe and North America to continue to stand together. He further stressed the importance of taking a global approach and working even more closely with our international partners to defend our values in a more competitive world.