WIREDGOV

NATO is the cornerstone of our national security, and has been for more than 60 years. We have no stronger allies and no closer friends than the other 27 NATO members.

That’s why I’m delighted that the UK will host the 2014 NATO Summit - the first time we have held it here since Margaret Thatcher welcomed NATO leaders in the historic year 1990, as the Cold War came to an end.

This will be another important moment in the history of the alliance. It will be an opportunity for leaders to recognise the contribution and the sacrifice made by our service men and women as the ISAF mission in Afghanistan draws to a close, and as NATO draws down its forces and looks to help Afghanistan in different ways.

The summit will also be about the future of our alliance. Britain has always been at the forefront of shaping the alliance, from its start in 1949 to NATO’s current operations, and the 2014 Summit will be critical in ensuring NATO remains a relevant, modern, adaptable force fit for the 21st century.