Skopje, 9 July 2024 (MIA) - Ahead of the NATO Summit on the 75th anniversary of the Alliance, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress, Mike Johnson, and the U.S. Delegation to the NATO PA, hosted the NATO Parliamentary Summit in Washington on Tuesday, bringing together speakers of parliaments of NATO member countries and the heads and deputy heads of delegations.

Delegations from 23 member countries and Ukraine were represented at the highest level, thus the event itself demonstrated the high commitment of the parliaments and their active role in building the world security architecture and promoting Atlantic values. 

The Summit was opened by NATO PA Acting President, Congressman Gerry Connolly, the head of the U.S. delegation to the NATO PA, Congressman Michael Turner, and the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk. In their brief opening speeches, emphasis was placed on the war in Ukraine, the need for greater alliance in providing the necessary assistance to Ukraine in military capacities, good practices, technical experts, medical equipment, reconstruction of the energy sector, the Parliament said in a press release. 

Delegations expressed their views on current security challenges and national interests and adjustments.

The Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia, Afrim Gashi, welcomed the holding of the Summit, stressing the importance of the open door policy, meeting the Alliance's target of allocating at least 2% of GDP to defence, the country's commitment to promoting an atmosphere and policy of regional and global stability, the need for an essential partnership with the European Union in order to strengthen its strategic complementarity with NATO, as well as the importance of the voice of parliaments and parliamentarians.

The German Marshall Fund in partnership with the Boeing Company hosted a working breakfast on the 75th NATO anniversary for all the participants of the Parliamentary Summit. The event demonstrated the significance and importance of analytical institutes, foundations and think-tank organizations in the creation of global security and defence projects, which represent solid intellectual support for the Alliance in the implementation of its activities.

Speaker of the House of Representatives of the U.S. Congress, Mike Johnson, and the head of the U.S. delegation to the NATO PA, Congressman Michael Turner, hosted a reception at the U.S. Congress for the participants in the Parliamentary Summit. The reception was also attended by NATO PA Acting President, Congressman Gerry Connolly, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who marked the 75th anniversary of the Alliance, highlighting the unconditional support for Ukraine and the role of all allied and partner countries in building and maintaining global security.

Acting head of the Parliament’s Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Mile Talevski, also participated in the event. 

The Summit aims to resource plans to strengthen NATO deterrence and defence, as well as step up the Alliance’s role in defending shared democratic values. 

Photo: Parliament