Opening remarks by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen

It is a pleasure to be here in Latvia, and to watch the deployed headquarters of the 2014 NATO Response Force in action.

I would like to thank Latvia and you, Mr. President, for acting as one of the hosts of Steadfast Jazz, NATO’s biggest exercise this year.  And I would like to thank the Presidents and the people of Estonia and Lithuania for their strong and determined commitment to our Alliance.

The NATO Response Force is the spearhead of this Alliance: a rapid-reaction force which can defend any Ally, deploy anywhere and deter any threat.

Every year, we test it on land, at sea and in the air, to make sure that all parts of the force are up to this demanding mission. So I thank Latvia for playing such a key part in making sure that the NATO Response Force is ready for action.

But this exercise is about more than just certifying the NATO Response Force for another year. It is about building the future of NATO – a future in which our forces work together seamlessly, no matter which country they come from.

This is the goal of the Connected Forces Initiative: an ambitious series of training and exercises to keep us ready for anything, even the unexpected.

And the NATO Response Force will be at the centre of this initiative.

So by hosting this exercise now, you are helping to shape the future of this Alliance for many years to come.

At the same time, you are playing your part in making European defence stronger.  That is the aim of next month’s European Council. And I look forward to seeing effective steps in that direction. Because a stronger Europe means a stronger NATO.   And next year, as Latvia  takes over the presidency of the European Union,  you  will lead the efforts to put the Council’s decisions into effect. 

And I look forward to seeing effective steps in that direction. Because a stronger Europe means a stronger NATO.