Incoming Nato chief signals constructive approach to Russia

Jens Stoltenberg: the new Nato secretary general gives his first press conference at the alliances headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday. Photograph: Olivier Hoslet/EPA

Natos new secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, has pledged to adopt a constructive approach to Russia.

Addressing journalists at Nato headquarters in Brussels on his first day as the transatlantic alliances top official, he said: I see no contradiction between a strong Nato and our continued effort to build a constructive relationship with Russia. Just the opposite. Only a strong Nato can build such a relationship for the benefit of Euro-Atlantic security.

Mr Stoltenberg also indicated his support for stronger links between the EU and Nato, adding that closer cooperation would be a particular advantage for countries who are not members of the alliance. Ireland is one of six EU countries that are not members of Nato.

The 55-year old former Norwegian prime minister is taking over the helm at Nato at a delicate time, as the organisation grapples with a deteriorating relationship between the West and Russia over Ukraine.

He said that Nato air patrols in the Baltic, rotation of forces and naval deployments would go on for as long as necessary in order to safeguard citizens safety. Our troops are ready to deploy within days, he said.

But he declined to specify what would constitute troop deployment, stating that Nato wanted changes in the actions of Russia which demonstrate that they are respecting their international obligations.

Asked about his own political past, Mr Stoltenberg brushed aside accusations that he had been a pacifist, anti-Nato campaigner in the 1970s, arguing that he turned the young Labour Party in Norway from one that was against Nato into one that was in favour of the organisation. It is hard to find a Norwegian politician as in favour of Nato as I am, he said.

A three-term prime minister, Mr Stoltenberg (55), is Natos 13th secretary general, a position that is usually held by a European. He replaces the former Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who had held the position since 2009.

Mr Stoltenberg, whose appointment was announced earlier this year, is believed to have the strong backing of German chancellor Angela Merkel.

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Incoming Nato chief signals constructive approach to Russia