Macron - Stoltenberg meeting: NATO remains strong despite disputes

 Stoltenberg and Macron shaking hands

 French President Emmanuel Macron congratulates himself on comments about NATO's "clinical death", saying the alliance needed a wake-up call, a statement made at a news conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

"The questions I asked are open questions that have not been resolved," Macron declared after talks in Paris.

He noted issues such as peace in Europe, relations with Russia, the issue with Turkey and the question of who is the common enemy.

"The last two summits were devoted only to how we can work to ease financial costs for the United States," Macron said, speaking of an apparent disconnect between the debate and the challenges the alliance faces.

Meanwhile, Stoltenberg points out that despite disagreements within the alliance, "NATO's foundations are strong."