Nato must forge a global role, says Rasmussen

Nato must forge links outside its traditional theatre of Europe and the north Atlantic to become a “globally capable” organisation, the military alliance’s secretary-general said yesterday.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen said that he wanted Nato to work closely with former foe Russia on issues such as European missile defence, as well as developing a more active dialogue with emerging global powers China and India.

He said he wanted closer partnership in areas such as training exercises, special forces, counter-piracy and cyber-warfare with countries that have co-operated with Nato in international operations like Afghanistan.

Mr Rasmussen’s comments came in a speech to Chatham House in London, setting out his vision for Nato after the planned withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan in 2014. Rejecting arguments that Nato has lost its purpose with the end of the cold war in Europe and the United States’ strategic pivot towards the Pacific, he insisted the transatlantic body remained “the indispensable alliance”.

“At a time of global risks and threats, delivering security must be a co-operative effort,” he said. “And this means Nato must continue to strengthen its connection with other countries and organisations around the globe.”