Photo: REGIERUNGonline / Kugler
A warm welcome in Baden-Baden
The shared commitment of all NATO
member states to protect their own security and that of other
nations remains the duty of NATO, said Chancellor Angela Merkel
shortly before the NATO anniversary summit began in Baden-Baden.
Today, however, NATO must take on new tasks too.
"This anniversary gives us the
opportunity to redefine the foundations of our alliance,” stated
Angela Merkel clearly after a meeting with US President Barack
Obama. The two heads of government spoke out in favour of reforming
NATO.
Afghanistan – a test for
NATO
Both Angela Merkel and Barack Obama see Afghanistan as a
test for NATO. The Chancellor praised the new approach of the USA,
which is very much in line with Germany’s. For Germany, "networked
security is a fundamental principle,” she declared. This involves
dovetailing military and civilian reconstruction and training for
the police force. Equally important, however, is capacity
development for the Afghans to enable them to help themselves.
"That is our aim,” underscored the Chancellor.
Barack Obama added, "We must coordinate our activities”. All
NATO member states must provide appropriate inputs. "I am confident
that Germany, as a leading European nation, will do its bit,” he
said.