NATO Secretary General praises Luxembourg’s role in strengthening shared security
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked Prime Minister Xavier Bettel for Luxembourg’s political, military, and financial contributions to the Alliance in a visit to the Grand Duchy on Wednesday (2 September 2015). In a joint press conference with Prime Minister Bettel, Mr. Stoltenberg thanked Luxembourg for being a reliable Ally, and welcomed the country’s role in strengthening the Alliance’s shared security.
The Secretary General expressed appreciation for Luxembourg’s support to NATO’s engagement in Kosovo and Afghanistan, and the Grand Duchy’s investment in high-tech military capabilities, particularly satellite communications. He stressed that these efforts help keep NATO strong, and are very important as the Alliance adapts in the face of new security challenges.
Mr. Stoltenberg also welcomed Luxembourg’s new financial contributions to a NATO trust fund for defence capacity building. “Your contribution matters,” he said, noting that it will help the Alliance train, advise and assist partner countries, increasing their capacity to defend themselves. He stressed that by helping to build defence capacity, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, “we also help address the root causes of the migration crisis we face now”.
Later on Wednesday, Mr. Stoltenberg is having an audience with His Royal Highness Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg. He is also meeting with Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Etienne Schneider, with Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs Jean Asselborn, with Minister of Justice Félix Braz, and with members of parliament. The Secretary General’s agenda concludes with an informal dinner with European Union Defence Ministers.