During his 10-year tenure, he oversaw the addition of four new members as well.
Montenegro joined in 2017, while North Macedonia’s accession took place in 2020. Finland and Sweden officially joined in the past two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shattered a sense of stability in northern Europe.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing chief stressed the importance of the transatlantic alliance for both Europe and North America.
“We live in an interconnected world. Security challenges are too big and competition is too fierce for any country to go at it alone. Investing in the transatlantic relationship is the only winning way forward,” he said.
He added that an end to the war in Ukraine would only be achieved at the negotiating table.
Diplomats behind the scenes said Stoltenberg will leave a bigger and stronger alliance in good shape for his successor Rutte.
For Rutte, however, the 57-year-old will inherit a broad set of challenges ranging from Ukraine to a new US president, as well as growing tensions with China.
After NATO, Stoltenberg is expected to take over as chair of the Munich Security Conference, an annual major international forum for political and military leaders, according to Reuters.
Source: CNA
