NATO and Bulgaria look to the Lisbon Summit

A number of issues on the agenda of NATO’s Summit in November were addressed, including the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, NATO reform, missile defence and the process leading to a new Strategic Concept. Some key regional aspects were also discussed.

In the run-up to the Summit

The Secretary General and his hosts discussed issues related to the Strategic Concept to be approved in Lisbon, which will be informed by the report presented by the Group of Experts on 17 May. They shared the view that the new Strategic Concept must be a forward looking document that sets out a vision not only for what the Alliance should do, but what it should be.

They also agreed that the benefits and the responsibilities of missile defence should be shared by the Allies. In a public address at the Central Military Club, the Secretary General said: “I believe that the time has come for us to move ahead and make missile defence a genuine Alliance mission. This is my target for the next NATO Summit in Lisbon.”

On Afghanistan, Mr. Fogh Rasmussen began with commending Bulgaria for its valuable contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). “Over 500 soldiers is substantial for a relatively small country,” he said.

He also reminded that the training of Afghan Forces is an investment in transition and encouraged all Allies, including Bulgaria, to consider offering more trainers.

Looking into regional aspects

Addressing developments in the Western Balkans, Mr. Fogh Rasmussen said: “I am encouraged by progress in Kosovo, and between many countries that are putting the legacy of the recent past behind them. The future of this entire region lies in the EU and in NATO.”

Talks were finally held on the situation in the strategic Black Sea region.