Egypt "will continue to be a force for stability and security" in the Middle East after president Hosny Mubarak's resignation, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Friday, dpa reported.
In a statement, Rasmussen called Egypt "a valued partner" of the Western military alliance and "a pivotal country in the (Middle Eastern) region."
"I welcome President Mubarak's decision. I have consistently called for a speedy, orderly and peaceful transition to democracy, respecting the legitimate aspirations of the people of Egypt," Rasmussen added.