Steinmeier pays tribute to Stoltenberg's leadership at the head of NATO
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has paid tribute to the leadership of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in these crisis-ridden times.
"You are steering our alliance through the storm. And you will ensure that it emerges from it strong," said Steinmeier as he presented Stoltenberg with the Henry A. Kissinger Prize in Berlin. "You have equipped our alliance for the enormous changes of our time. You have equipped NATO for the future," Steinmeier continued, according to the speech script published in advance.
The former Norwegian Prime Minister has been at the helm of the Western defense alliance for nine years. His term of office would actually have expired several times, but was recently extended due to the war in Ukraine, among other things. Last year, Steinmeier himself received the annual prize awarded by the American Academy in Berlin, which is named after the former US Secretary of State Kissinger.
In view of the uncertain outcome of the US elections in a year's time, Steinmeier now called in his laudatory speech for us to "do our part as Germans, as Europeans, to keep our alliance strong - whatever happens". There are many good reasons to meet the two percent target for defense - "reliably and sustainably". The European pillar in NATO must be strengthened and Ukraine must be supported for as long as necessary.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his praise for Jens Stoltenberg, highlighted how the Federal President believes that Stoltenberg has effectively navigated NATO through challenging times and has prepared the alliance for future changes.
- The Henry A. Kissinger Prize, which recognizes significant contributions to transatlantic relations, was awarded to Jens Stoltenberg by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, emphasizing Stoltenberg's crucial role in shaping NATO's defense strategies.
- Steinmeier emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alliances, such as NATO, and underscored the necessity of meeting the 2% defense spending target, as well as strengthening the European pillar, in light of Henry Kissinger's exemplary leadership and guidance in transatlantic relations.
Source: www.dpa.com
