NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

DIPLOMATIC  TIMES  STAFF REPORT

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that ”a strong Germany at the heart of a strong NATO is as important as ever to keep us safe in an uncertain world.”  The NATO chief made the remarks during an event for alumni of the Arthur Burns journalism fellowship in Berlin on Wednesday.  Stoltenberg  recognized  “the many valuable contributions” that Germany makes to the transatlantic security. 

Germany has been a long-standing supporter of our peace-keeping mission in Kosovo. And it was the second largest troop contributor to our training mission in Afghanistan.  Germany is at the heart of Europe, as the largest economy ,and a champion of multilateralism.  So Germany has a special responsibility. To strengthen European security within a transatlantic framework. With a strong Germany at the heart of a strong NATO, we will continue to keep our people safe.”

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

The NATO chief said the crisis in Afghanistan does not change the need for Europe and North America to stand together in NATO.   “In fact, the need for transatlantic unity is greater now than at any time since the end of the Cold War. We are facing a pivotal moment. Global competition is rising. Russia is more aggressive abroad and more oppressive at home. China is using its economic and military might.  To coerce other countries and control its own people. The authoritarian regimes in Moscow and Beijing are challenging the resilience of our societies, our critical infrastructure and supply chains.”   Stoltenberg said he is counting  on Germany  to continue to invest more in defence and new capabilities,
as it has done in recent years.    “I count on you to continue to invest in the resilience of our societies and critical infrastructure. Because economic decisions have a real impact on our security too. And I also count on Germany to keep your commitment to a safe and effective nuclear deterrent, as the ultimate guarantor for our security.”