Opening statement

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, Allies and Partners, to this important meeting.

Yesterday's Summit of NATO Heads of State and Government defined a new NATO for a new Europe. An hour ago, in another historic action, we signed the Charter on a Distinctive Partnership between NATO and Ukraine. Now we take another decisive step forward with this first meeting of Alliance and Partner Heads of State and Government.

The Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council and the enhanced Partnership for Peace have opened a new chapter in our relationship. Both initiatives are milestones in the cooperation of the Alliance with its Partners, offering expanded opportunities for political consultations and practical cooperation.

This cooperative approach has become a central part of the security policies of all our countries, for it is only through cooperation that we can face the challenges of the future. Allies and Partners working together, and in cooperation with other organisations such as the OSCE, the European Union and the Western European Union, can transform this continent into a safer and more stable place where each country can live in peace and security.

Messieurs les Présidents, messieurs les Premiers Ministres, notre réunion entre Alliés et Partenaires aujourd'hui va nous donner l'opportunité de discuter des questions importantes concernant la sécurité et de réfléchir aux prochaines étapes. Nous aurons un échange de vues sur la façon dont le nouveau Conseil de Partenariat Euro-Atlantique peut être utilisé pour améliorer notre sécurité commune et renforcer notre coopération dans les domaines de la prévention et de la gestion des crises.

As I am in my native country, please allow me now to end my introduction in my mother tongue.

La reunion de hoy es una prueba de nuestro firme compromiso de trabajar juntos en la creacion de unas relaciones de cooperacion mas estrechas para la Europa del siglo XXI.

Me gustaria dar ahora la palabra a nuestro anfitrion.

Senor Presidente, tiena la palabra.