NATO's summit meeting in Wales comes at a critical time in the Alliance's history when the global security environment is becoming increasingly unpredictable and unstable – as Russia's actions in Ukraine have shown – and when the Alliance will be completing its longest combat mission ever in Afghanistan, NATO said in a statement on Aug.20.
The NATO summit will take place in Wales on Sept. 4-5.
This Summit will principally focus on several themes, including
NATO’s readiness to reinforce collective defense, and investing in
capabilities to ensure the Alliance remains ready to face any challenge.
The Summit is designed to demonstrate transatlantic resolve and
stressing the importance of appropriate levels of defense spending, NATO
said.
The participants in the Summit will also discuss relations with
Russia, and stronger ties with Ukraine through increased cooperation.
In addition, on the agenda of the Summit are deepening partnerships and maintaining NATO’s Open Door policy.
Among priority themes of the Summit are also Afghanistan and the
completion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by the
end of 2014.
The Wales Summit is the last to be chaired by NATO Secretary General
Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who has served the Alliance since Aug. 2009,
NATO said.
