The UK was extremely proud to host world leaders at the NATO Summit on 4-5 September. The people of Newport were delighted to welcome the world to Wales to showcase their beautiful country. This was a moment when the UK, Turkey and 26 other NATO Allies could come together and show that we were united. There was a real sense of purpose and resolution. The world could see what NATO stood for – democratic values, peace and stability. And leaders were clear about the scale and the nature of the threat posed by terrorists abusing religion in Iraq and Syria.
In acknowledging the dramatic humanitarian consequences of the crisis in Syria, Allies highlighted Turkey’s generosity in hosting millions of refugees and displaced Syrians. They also noted that the deployment of Patriot missiles in Turkey is a “strong demonstration of NATO’s resolve and ability to defend and deter any potential threat against any Ally”.
One of the Summit’s key priorities was to agree how NATO will respond to the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Even as our leaders met, Russia continued to violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO Allies sent a clear message that what President Putin is doing is indefensible, wrong and illegal. They made it clear that NATO supports Ukraine’s right to make its own decisions.
The Alliance also took measures to reassure Eastern Allies that we will meet our treaty obligations to any member under threat. One of the most important outcomes of the Summit was the agreement of the Readiness Action Plan. This creates a new, rapidly-deployable, multi-national spearhead force, able to respond to challenges at NATO’s borders. This will assure Allies across Europe that NATO can act swiftly and firmly – and that our collective security is as strong as ever.
Another priority was to agree how we can make NATO even stronger in light of the changing and multiplying threats that we face – threats such as hybrid warfare, where a wide range of overt and covert military, paramilitary and civilian measures are employed. Of course, that requires investment.
In Wales, NATO members not already spending 2% of GDP on defence agreed to halt any decline in defence spending and to move towards 2% within a decade. Allies also agreed that a fifth of defence budgets should be spent on enhancing equipment. This agreement will be vital in ensuring that NATO remains strong and equipped to face any threat.
In addition, NATO agreed to use its expertise to provide training and mentoring of forces in Jordan, Moldova, Georgia and – once conditions are right – in Libya. NATO will also send a NATO defence capacity building mission to Iraq once the new Iraqi Government is ready to receive it. This long-term commitment to helping countries around the world is vital, not only for defending our values, but also for maintaining our own security.
A further priority that NATO had agreed for the Summit was to mark the end of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. In a moving ceremony, the Summit recognised the achievements and sacrifices of the ISAF mission, without which we could not have made the progress that we have made in Afghanistan. Allies reaffirmed their continued determination to support Afghanistan.
NATO leaders also signed an Armed Forces Declaration recognising the dedication and sacrifice of our servicemen and women and committing to value and support their service. This was a key priority for the UK. I know millions of Turks share the view that countries should do all they can to support the brave men and women in our armed forces.
This Summit – one of the most important in NATO’s history – showed that NATO can respond effectively to the major, and varied, challenges that we face. The Summit showed that the Alliance is determined and united; is able to adapt to changing threats; and is fully committed to keeping its people safe.