Striking a New Transatlantic Deal - Nato secretary general's blog

Today I am in Washington. I had the honour last night to receive the Atlantic Council's Distinguished Leadership Award for my work to strengthen and promote the transatlantic bond. It was truly inspiring to join Hillary Clinton and so many others who share a commitment to the vital link between Europe and North America. I spoke about the need to strike what I call a new transatlantic deal. Because I firmly believe that in a world where we are all connected, the transatlantic relationship remains the most important relationship we have. Today, Europe and North America face a key challenge: how to protect our shared values across the globe, and to shape the global agenda in line with those values. So we need to do more with each other, not less. To come closer, not drift apart. And to turn outwards, not inwards. To do this, we need a new transatlantic deal. A deal that makes our community of values stronger, wider and deeper. We need stronger political, economic and cultural ties. We need wider engagement with the rest of the world. And we need deeper security cooperation. A new transatlantic deal is the best way to preserve our freedom. To increase our prosperity. And to safeguard our values for generations to come. Some thirty years ago, I visited the United States and got to know many families, colleagues and institutions. I started on the path that led me here today. I would like to see more young people have the same opportunity to cross the Atlantic. Because our personal connections and experiences will continue to nourish the vital bond between America and Europe.