Jens Stoltenberg is the best possible choice in my view. I warmly congratulate him on his appointment to this key office.

Jens Stoltenberg was always committed to NATO back when he was Norwegian Prime Minister. As an experienced diplomat, he has the qualities we need in these turbulent and difficult times: intelligent analysis, a cooperative style of leadership and a knack for finding the right words.

The Alliance is thus gaining an experienced statesman who is uniquely suited to ensuring that NATO stays in good shape and to positioning it strategically in the face of major new tasks, for example in the spheres of crisis management or cyber security.