CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–19 May 2012. Arriving in Chicago on 19 May 2012 on the eve of the NATO Summit, Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen opened a conference gathering young professionals and students from NATO and partner countries from across the globe.
“I can think of no better host city for a NATO Summit than Chicago. As you will have seen, it’s diverse. Dynamic. It brings together people from many countries and backgrounds. In short, it’s a lot like NATO. Chicago draws inspiration from its people, and in turn, the city inspires others around the world. And I am sure it will inspire all of us at our Summit,” the Secretary General said.
Participants at the “Atlanticists Summit” organised by the United States Atlantic Council and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs include high-level officials from NATO and partner countries, parliamentarians, scholars and think-tank analysts.
“There are three issues in particular that will feature prominently at this Summit,” the Secretary General said. “The future stability of Afghanistan; the military capabilities we need to do our job; and working more closely with our network of partner countries around the globe”.
The Secretary General stressed that in today’s world, no nation and no continent can deal with the challenges of the 21st Century alone, as threats know no borders and respect no country’s sovereignty.
“Our Summit this weekend will be the biggest in NATO’s history. Almost 60 countries and organisations are represented. And they are all coming together for a common purpose. To find common solutions to common challenges,” the NATO Secretary General said.
The Chicago Young Atlanticist Summit will run in parallel with the NATO Summit until 21 May 2012.
Source: nato.int
