The North Atlantic Treaty Organization not only is the longest-lived alliance in history, but also is the most successful, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told a joint session of the U.S. Congress here today.
Stoltenberg, whose term as NATO's civilian leader was extended through 2022, marked 70 years of the defensive alliance. The Washington Treaty, which established the alliance, was signed April 4, 1949.
The secretary general's most repeated message in his address was “It's good to have friends.” He was interrupted many times by applause from the members of Congress, members of the Cabinet and members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He received many standing ovations during his speech.
Stoltenberg detailed the history of the alliance and the changes it has made to stay strong and relevant for 70 years. The alliance was formed in response to the millions of deaths in two world wars and the increasing danger the Soviet Union posed in 1949.
The 12 nations that formed NATO did so “with a clear purpose: to preserve peace and to safeguard freedom, with an ironclad commitment by all members of the alliance to protect each other,” he said. “They made a solemn promise: One for all, and all for one.”
Unprecedented Period of Peace
And it has worked. In 70 years, through the waxing and waning of Soviet might, peace…