Meeting of the Council with H.M. King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
(As delivered)
Your Majesty,
Dear friends, dear guests,
Welcome to all of you.
On behalf of the members of the North Atlantic Council, I extend to you a very warm welcome to the NATO Headquarters.
Back in 1949, the Netherlands was among NATO’s twelve founding members.
And your country has been a reliable Ally throughout NATO’s evolution. Helping to keep our Alliance strong. And our continent free, secure and stable.
This is a critical time for our nations.
A time when the entire European security order - and the core values that underpin our democratic societies – are being challenged.
We need a strong, capable NATO to ensure our common security.
Allies such as the Netherlands are essential to the effectiveness of this Alliance, politically and militarily.
And so we thank you for your country’s active role. And for your strong support of our Alliance.
Your Majesty, once again welcome to NATO Headquarters and the floor is yours.