NATO Secretary-General at World Economic Forum

Davos, 25 May 2022 (TDI): At the World Economic Forum in Davos, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg gave a special keynote speech.

“Freedom is more important than free trade,” said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, and “protection of our values is more important than profit.”

According to Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, the West should not compromise on long-term security needs for short-term economic gains. This is a key takeaway from Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.

He emphasized that the war shows how economic links with controlling governments like Russia and China may create vulnerabilities, notably in the energy sector.

The Secretary-General also cautioned against the dangers of exporting breakthrough technologies such as artificial intelligence.

He also expressed concern about foreign ownership of essential infrastructures, such as 5G. According to the Secretary-General, Russia’s assault on Ukraine is a “game-changer” for the global order.

NATO’s mission is to keep the conflict from expanding while also assisting Ukraine in its defense. Jens Stoltenberg stated plainly that NATO will defend “every inch of NATO territory.”

Major supports to the Alliance’s collective prevention and defense, including 100,000 troops were on high alert, to demonstrate this. The Secretary-General of NATO also stated, “European security will not be dictated by violence and intimidation.”

Finland and Sweden’s decision to apply for NATO membership exemplifies this. He underscored that NATO’s expansion has been a historic success, spreading freedom and democracy throughout Europe.

The Secretary-General met with Swiss Federal Councillor Viola Amherd, Head of the Federal Department of Defence and Civil Protection and Sports, while in Switzerland.

He expressed gratitude to the Minister for Switzerland’s significant contribution to NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission in Kosovo. He also met with Professor Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum’s Founder and Executive Chairman.

‘Securing Europe’ panel discussion

Later, the Secretary-General spoke on a panel titled “Securing Europe.” He hinted that NATO had two tasks in the context of the Ukraine issue. Among them are: to “support Ukraine […] but then at the same time step up deterrence and defense to ensure no escalation of the conflict.”

Prime Minister Alexander de Croo of Belgium, President Stevo Pendarovski of North Macedonia, Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren of the Netherlands, Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, and Bloomberg Television’s Francine Lacqua, all joined him on the panel.