Appointment of Jakob de Hoop Scheffer as NATO Secretary General

Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
September 22, 2003

I join President Bush in welcoming the appointment of Dutch Foreign Minister Jakob de Hoop Scheffer as the next NATO Secretary General, beginning in January 2004. Minister de Hoop Scheffer possesses exceptional experience and knowledge from a long and distinguished career of service to his country's military and to NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He is committed to a strong transatlantic relationship. I spoke with Minister de Hoop Scheffer today. He is the right person to lead NATO at this important moment in the Alliance's history. I look forward to working with him.

Minister de Hoop Scheffer will be replacing Lord Robertson of Port Ellen who has served as Secretary General for the past four years. Lord Robertson oversaw many important changes in NATO, including the addition of seven new member countries and the launching of NATO's first operation outside its traditional area. I would like to thank Lord Robertson for his dynamic leadership and dedicated service.

Released on September 22, 2003

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