 President
Obama Letter to NATO
 January
20, 2009
To the Secretary General of NATO, and the Members of the
North Atlantic Council
As you gather in Brussels on January 20, 2009, allow me to send my
warm wishes to you and to all the men and women of NATO.
Our nations share more than a commitment to our common security – we
share a set of common democratic values. That is why the bond that
links us together cannot be broken, and why NATO is a unique
alliance in the history of the world. Now it falls to us to work
together to face down the perils of this moment in history, while
seizing its promise.
The lesson of the 21st century is that the security of our nations
and our people is shared. We face an extraordinary set of
challenges, and must meet them together. That is why we must renew
our Alliance, respect every nation’s contribution, and strengthen
our capacity to meet the challenges of our young century.
NATO has much to be proud of, but also much work to do -- from
helping the people of Afghanistan build a better future, to helping
the people of Europe's south and east as they become fully a part of
democratic Europe. As we move forward, the United States will remain
committed to doing its part to strengthen our common security, and
honors the service of the brave men and women of our nations who are
serving in harm’s way.
I appreciate the many good wishes that I have received upon my
Inauguration from the leaders and the people of NATO nations. As we
approach NATO's 60th Anniversary Summit, I look forward to working
with all of your nations to renew our democratic community, and to
strengthen our vital security Alliance.
With best wishes,
Barack Obama
President-Elect
United States of America
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