On Tuesday, Stoltenberg was awarded the Grand Cross of the German Federal Order of Merit by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
– Many thanks for the extraordinary leadership in NATO over ten years. You have shaped the alliance through your integrity, your clear political analysis and your personal commitment, Steinmeier said during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Berlin.
Earlier in the day, Sweden’s Prime Minister announced that Stoltenberg is one of ten foreign nationals who will each receive a knighthood as a thank you for their help in getting Sweden into NATO.
Among the other recipients of the Royal Order of the Nordstjärne are US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Finland’s former Prime Minister Sanna Marin and Finland’s former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto.
– The awards are an expression of our great gratitude for the efforts of these people in connection with Sweden’s membership in NATO, says Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a press release.
Stoltenberg stepped down as NATO Secretary General on 1 October. In February, he takes over as the new leader of the International Security Conference in Munich.
#Sweden #Germany #pay #tribute #Jens #Stoltenberg #orders