Today’s NATO is delivering 21st century security and effective multilateral action on a truly global scale. In the past year, NATO has conducted operations on four continents, in places far outside the traditional Euro-Atlantic area: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Darfur, as well as conducting operations in non-traditional theatres like the Balkans and Mediterranean.
Afghanistan, more than 2,000 miles from Europe, is NATO’s top priority and one of the greatest challenges of its 57-year history. The Alliance that helped bring down the Berlin Wall, reunite a divided Europe, and bring peace to the war-torn Balkans, is today on the frontlines of a struggle every bit as important: defeating a resurgent Taliban and supporting the development of a free, democratic, and economically viable Afghanistan.
The Mission in Afghanistan is driving much of the transformational change we are seeking for NATO at Riga. Allies now understand first-hand why we must be able to deploy and sustain forces at strategic distance, develop a more open and global approach to those like-minded democracies who share our values and goals, and create more effective civilian-military cooperation to deliver the kind of stability and reconstruction critical to long-term success in Afghanistan.
Our Riga agenda is, therefore, focused on strengthening the Alliance’s three main pillars: political, operational, and training.
Politically, we seek a more global and flexible approach to NATO’s partnerships, one that recognizes the real contribution of our democratic partners, like Australia and New Zealand. There are 11 non-NATO nations fighting with NATO and the Afghan military in Afghanistan. These nations do not seek membership in the Alliance, nor do we seek it for them. We simply want to enhance their ability to operate, train, and communicate more effectively with NATO forces.
Operationally, Allies are moving towards investing more in 21st century military capabilities – a fully manned and equipped NATO Response Force, strategic airlift, and more commonly funded assets.
On training, we want to expand NATO’s role to build on its successful training missions in Iraq and for the African Union in support of its Darfur Mission. NATO training can help spread security and reform broadly throughout the Middle East and Africa.
Finally, NATO plays an enduring role as a mentor and magnet to new democracies in the Trans-Atlantic space and its door will remain open to new potential member countries. Membership is still performance-based however, and NATO will continue to work with aspirants to ensure they are ready to meet the responsibilities of membership before invitations are offered.
Far from a relic of the Cold War, NATO today is a vibrant, growing Alliance that is transforming itself and meeting challenges of the 21st century.