Tour of NATO member countries

As is the tradition on the arrival of a new Secretary General, Lord Robertson started his tour of NATO member countries with a first meeting in Brussels where he met Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, Foreign Minister Louis Michel and Defence Minister André Flahaut on 25 October. He then visited the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on 28 October. He met His Royal Highness the Hereditary Grand Duke, Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lydie Polfer, Minister of Defence Charles Goerens and other government officials. On the same day, he went to Madrid where he was received by His Majesty the King of Spain. He also met with the President of the Government, José Maria Aznar, and the Minister of Defence, Eduardo Serra.

From 31 October to 3 November, Lord Robertson travelled to North America. He first stopped in Canada where he met with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy and Defence Minister Art Aggleton. He then pursued his trip to the United States, meeting with Secretary of State for Defence, William Cohen, Senior Administrative officials and key Senators.