NATO HQ 22 May 2006

Remarks by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the opening of the photo exhibition “Riga welcomes the NATO Summit” Minister Slakteris, Ambassador Eichmanis, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me just say a few words at this small ceremony which is devoted to Riga, the splendid capital of Latvia and the venue of our next NATO Summit meeting. Our Summit in Riga will be a milestone for NATO. For several years, the Alliance has been adapting its capabilities, structures and partnerships -- to be better able to meet new challenges in new ways and new places. At Riga, our Heads of State and Government will take this adaptation process a decisive step further. We are six months away from the Riga Summit, and a lot of work is ongoing to prepare our meeting. First of all, of course, by our hosts, the Government of Latvia, whom I want to thank most sincerely -- on behalf of the entire NATO community -- for their generous hospitality and unrelenting efforts to make our next Summit a success. Then, all our member states are debating critical Alliance issues in the North Atlantic Council and subordinate committees, fine-tuning the Summit agenda, and preparing decisions by Heads of State and Government in Riga. And, of course, NATO’s International Staff and International Military Staff are working hard towards the Riga Summit in support of the Council and various Committees. The pace and intensity of all this work will pick up over the next half year. The photo exhibition that we are about to open – and the Summit logo that we are about to unveil -- will bring the Riga Summit very much alive for all of us, and serve as a real inspiration for our work over the next weeks and months. I want to thank the Latvian authorities, once again, for hosting us next November, giving us all a taste of Riga through this exhibition, and flying in the Latvian Armed Forces Band to mark this festive occasion. And let me finish with a special word of appreciation to Ambassador Eichmanis. Janis has been a tremendous support in our preparation of the Riga Summit. This exhibition owes a lot not only to his initiative, but also his sharp eye and imagination as an amateur photographer. And now, Minister Slakteris, I understand it is over to you.