NATO committed to make the world more stable and peaceful
As NATO countries celebrate the three rounds of its enlargement, the United States of America today congratulated NATO for its commitment to promote peace and security for people all over the world.
In his remarks in Washington DC, Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the five, ten, and fifteen-year anniversaries of three rounds of NATO enlargement.
“I am proud to celebrate the important milestones in NATO’s history that have strengthened the Alliance.” – Secretary Kerry
NATO is stronger today
Secretary Kerry noyed that on March 12, 1999, Hungary, Poland, and Czech Republic joined. On March 29, 2004, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined. Most recently, on April 1, 2009, Albania and Croatia joined the Alliance.
“NATO is strong today because of the common values that all its members share.” – Secretary Kerry
According to Secretary Kerry, NATO’s Open Door policy hasn’t just allowed more members into its ranks. The organization has expanded democracy, prosperity and stability in Europe and opened new opportunities to advance security and prosperity around the globe.
NATO committed to its missions
As NATO continues to expand in terms of its members, its responsibilities also expand. In fact, annually NATO’s newest members have proved their mettle.
Secretary Kerry stated that US Allies in Central and East Europe have served with tremendous guts and grit.
“We honor the sacrifices their troops have made, including in some cases the ultimate sacrifice, as part of NATO missions.” – Secretary Kerry
Working toward a more stable and secure world
Along with its allies, the United States reaffirms that NATO’s door remains open to any European country in a position to undertake the commitments and obligations of membership, and that can contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Secretary Kerry highlighted that NATO’s challenge today is to work toward a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace and to use the power of the planet’s strongest alliance to promote peace and security for people all over the world.
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on April 4, 1949.
The organization calls for its to mutual defense in response to an attack by any non-member party.
NATO’s headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium. Its newest of are Albania and Croatia which joined in April 2009.
