Outgoing NATO General Secretary Anders Fogh Rasmussen introduced the new alliance chief, former Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, as the summit in Wales reached its conclusion.<br /><br />Stoltenberg takes up office on October 1 at a crucial time as the crisis in Ukraine continues to threaten Europe.<br /><br />Stoltenberg, commenting on current relations with Russia said it is “a brutal reminder of how important NATO is.”<br /><br />Jens Stoltenberg came to global attention with his dignified response to the slaughter of 77 people in 2011 by Anders Breivik.<br /><br />The killing of 69 young political activists on Utoeya Island held particular resonance for the 55-year-old as when young he also attended a camp on the island.<br /><br />Despite Norways’s reputation for dialogue Stoltenberg increased defence spending during his second term as prime minister.<br /><br />The Secretary-General designate also backed the decision to bomb Libya.<br /><br />He is married with two grown up children.
