Opening remarks

Thank you very much Prime Minister.

It is really a great pleasure to be back in Athens, and to meet you again.

This city was the birthplace of democracy, over two thousand years ago. And democracy is the vital foundation of NATO today.

But as we have discussed this morning, we see democracy at great risk today in our near neighbourhood, and that is of deep concern to all of us.

I condemn the outrageous bloodshed in Ukraine. I urge all parties to stop this tragic spiral of violence. The Ukrainian government has a special responsibility to ensure that the armed forces do not get involved in this political crisis.

The Ukrainian military and special forces should not turn on the people of Ukraine. That would have severe consequences for our partnership with Ukraine.

The only way forward is dialogue. So we welcome all efforts to find a peaceful solution.

NATO is an alliance based on values - freedom, democracy, the rule of law. And we stand together against all threats to our security.

Greece is an active contributor to our Alliance. From our operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan, to our counter-piracy mission off the Horn of Africa.

Prime Minister, I thank you for your constant commitment.

In September, we will meet at the NATO Summit in Wales. To shape future NATO - an alliance which is ready, robust and rebalanced.

We will make our military capabilities more modern, more effective, and we will make our partnerships broader and deeper.

We will turn a new page in our relationship with Afghanistan as it takes responsibility for its own future.

And we will put new energy into the relationship between Europe and North America.

In all this, it is vital that European countries play their full part, and take their full share of responsibility for security.

We all need Europe to be strong, so that we can continue to protect our values, and our interests.

As the holder of the presidency of the European Union, Greece is especially well placed to make sure that the countries of Europe do develop their capabilities and their strength. This would benefit NATO, the European Union, and the world.

So, Prime Minister, I look very much forward to working with you, as we look to our Summit in September.

And I really thank you very much for your strong commitment to our Alliance, to the transatlantic relationship and for your support.