NATO’s Secretary General on expecting the unexpected and how to relax in snow-deprived Brussels.
@jensstoltenberg What’s the most important skill for your job?
@berlinpolicy The ability to build consensus.
@jensstoltenberg Tell us about an unknown unknown you’re thinking about.
@berlinpolicy I have learned to expect the unexpected. New security threats can arise quickly. Readiness is key.
@jensstoltenberg What was your immediate priority when you started the job?
@berlinpolicy Keeping #NATO strong. Must keep bond Europe – North America rock solid & work w partners to build stability.
@jensstoltenberg What’s on your desk that might surprise us?
@berlinpolicy A photo of Anna Lindh. From our teenage years through her tenure as Swedish foreign minister, she was a dear friend. I honor her memory.
@jensstoltenberg What’s the biggest obstacle for you at work?
@berlinpolicy As many #NATO colleagues will agree, just getting to work can sometimes be an adventure – Brussels traffic is famous.
@jensstoltenberg What do you do at lunchtime?
@berlinpolicy In Norway, lunch is @ 11 a.m. By the time of Belgian lunchtime, I am hungry for a good meal & discussion. I rarely eat alone.
@jensstoltenberg How would you increase public enthusiasm for NATO?
@berlinpolicy I will visit every #NATO country. Everywhere I stress that NATO will defend all allies against any threat.
@jensstoltenberg What’s the most constructive thing #NATO could do about #Ukraine?
@berlinpolicy Support UKR politically&practically, incl w 5 trust funds. Call on Russia: respect UKR’s sovereignty & territorial integrity.
@jensstoltenberg Is the Red Phone to the #Kremlin still working?
@berlinpolicy #NATO has suspended practical coop w Russia, but we keep political & mil-to-mil channels open.
@jensstoltenberg How do you relax at the end of the day?
@berlinpolicy I love to go cross country skiing, but not really that easy in Brussels. Instead biking in the woods.
@jensstoltenberg What’s the biggest challenge to #NATO that doesn’t start with “R”?
@berlinpolicy Extremism to #NATO’s south. It has inspired attacks in our streets. We must fight terrorism & stand up for our open societies.
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