Fri Sep 20 12:57:06 UTC 2024: ## NATO Needs Unity to Face Growing Challenges, Says Outgoing Secretary-General

**Berlin, Germany** – Outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned against isolationism and called for continued transatlantic cooperation in his farewell speech on Tuesday. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of the alliance in ensuring European security, stating that “there is no secure Europe without Türkiye, Norway, the U.K. and U.S.”

He highlighted that NATO’s strength lies in its collective defense, noting that 80% of the alliance’s defense spending comes from non-European Union allies. “Without Türkiye in the south, Norway in the north, and the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom in the west, it is impossible to envisage the security of the European continent,” he said.

Stoltenberg stressed that the alliance also serves US interests, arguing that “No other major power has as many friends and allies as the United States. Any policy that seeks to undermine this is squandering one of America’s greatest assets.”

Turning to the war in Ukraine, Stoltenberg reiterated NATO’s commitment to supporting Kyiv, asserting that providing weapons to Ukraine is the best way to bring Russia to the negotiation table and achieve peace. “The paradox is that the more weapons for Ukraine we are able to deliver, the more likely it is that we can reach peace and an end to the war,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong military presence, saying that “the more credible our long-term military support, the sooner the war will end.”

Stoltenberg, who will be succeeded by former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on October 1st, reflected on his 10 years at the helm of NATO. During his tenure, he helped secure a significant increase in European defense spending, spurred by pressure from the US and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, he noted that while NATO has met its 2014 target of 2% GDP defense spending, “this is no longer enough to keep us safe.”

Stoltenberg’s departure marks the end of an era for NATO, but his message of unity and strong defense spending remains crucial for the alliance’s future.

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