22 Jan. 2004

Secretary General meets with world leaders at Davos forum News 21/01/2004 - NATO NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Links World Economic Forum website NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer addressed this year’s World Economic Forum, underscoring the importance of the strategic partnership between NATO and the European Union. The Secretary General traveled to Switzerland on 22 and 23 January to participate in a working luncheon on “Towards a European Defence Capability”. He also took part in special sessions on “Putting Transatlantic Relations on the Road to Recovery” and “Global Stability and Building Democracy: New Realities? New Possibilities?”. “ Last year, we were heavily divided. This was not good for NATO, nor for Europe,” said Mr. de Hoop Scheffer in his remarks, “My opinion is that the new NATO needs to work with Europe but also the United Nations to face new threats, such as weapons of mass destruction, failed or rogue states.” At the Forum, the Secretary held a number of bilateral meetings, including with the President of Pakistan, Mr. Musharraf, to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister of Israel, Mr. Shalom, on the possible enhancement of NATO’s relations with its Mediterranean partners, and with Mr. El Baradei, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on the threat of weapons of mass destruction. Mr. de Hoop Scheffer also discussed NATO-UN cooperation with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, particularly in Kosovo and Afghanistan, where NATO and the United Nations are working hand in hand.