Secretary General: NATO is a bedrock of security for both Europe and North America

  • 13 Apr. 2017 -
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  • Last updated: 18 Apr. 2017 10:04

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrapped up a two-day visit to the United States on Thursday (13 April 2017) with a town hall meeting at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. Mr. Stoltenberg stressed that NATO is as important as ever in a more uncertain world, and that its strength lies in unity and the ability to adapt to a changing security environment.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg giving his speech at the Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University

On Wednesday, the Secretary General met President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the importance of NATO for the security of both North America and Europe. The two leaders agreed that NATO should enhance its role in the fight against terrorism and continue working towards fair burden-sharing in the Alliance. These will be key topics addressed at May’s meeting of Allied leaders in Brussels.

Following their meeting, Mr. Stoltenberg welcomed the very strong commitment of the United States to the security of Europe, and underlined the importance of the transatlantic bond. He said: “In a more dangerous and more unpredictable world, it’s important to have friends and Allies. And in NATO, America has the best friends and the best Allies in the world.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr. Stoltenberg laid a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in tribute to the fallen US servicemen and women, describing it as “a deeply moving experience.”