17 May 2004

Projecting stability – the agenda for NATO’s Istanbul Summit Events NATO Istanbul Summit - 28-29 June 2004 News 28/04/2004 - NATO Preparing for the Istanbul Summit 22/03/2004 - NATO Summit Meetings of Heads of State and Government - Istanbul, Turkey, 28-29 June 2004 Opinions Projecting Stability - Speech by NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the “New Defence Agenda”, Palais d’Egmont, Brussels Multimedia Audio file of the speech (.MP3/5032kb) Key links New Defence Agenda Speaking in Brussels on 17 May, NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer outlined the agenda of the Istanbul Summit, 28-29 June, saying it will showcase a NATO that is defending security in a new way – by projecting stability. For the transatlantic community, countering threats where and when necessary has become the precondition for security, Mr. de Hoop Scheffer told a conference organized by the New Defence Agenda. “Territorial defence remains a core function, but we simply can no longer protect our security without addressing the potential risks and threats that arise far from our homes,” he said, “Either we tackle these problems when and where they emerge, or they will end up on our doorstep.” Ensuring security through partnerships and operations The Summit, he said, will demonstrate how the new NATO is projecting stability in three ways: by strengthening relations with an ever-growing list of partners; through operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan and the Mediterranean; and by modernising armed forces for new missions, far away from home. A number of important decisions are expected to be taken in Istanbul, including: Further expanding NATO’s presence in Afghanistan, allowing the Alliance to play a key role in supporting the upcoming elections; Strengthening and expanding the Alliance’s partnerships, also with its Mediterranean partners; Terminating NATO’s mission in Bosnia by the end of this year; Delivering on essential aspects of NATO’s military transformation, including the NATO Response Force, new airlift and sealift capabilities, and a counter-terrorism package. “Our Istanbul Summit will bring home that NATO is tackling the new challenges of the 21st century,” the Secretary General said, “Acting together, in the field, to defend our shared security. And reaching out to build security where it is needed.”