"I would like to congratulate the new NATO Secretary General most warmly,” exclaimed Chancellor Angela Merkel with delight. She declared herself happy that the alliance had thus proven its ability to act and that the summit had been a success.
Along with the French President Nicolas Sarkozy the Chancellor had decided to mark the 60th anniversary of NATO with a symbolic stroll with the heads of state and government across the Rhine Bridge that links Germany and France, after so many wars where the two countries stood on opposite sides.
"We are delighted that we can build on the foundations that our predecessors laid when they built this bridge,” stressed Angela Merkel. But this generation too has its work cut out for it. The appointment of the new NATO Secretary General demonstrates the unity within NATO. In view of the global problems facing us, this was an important signal.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen appointed new NATO Secretary General
Sat, 04.04.2009
Photo: REGIERUNGonline / Eisele
Germany and France - strong partners within a strong alliance
Anders Fogh Rasmussen will take over as NATO Secretary General on 1 August 2009. The 28 NATO member states elected him unanimously, with the two new member states Albania and Croatia voting for the first time.
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