We celebrate the 51st anniversary of the establishment of NATO which has effectively been the guarantor of security in the Euro-Atlantic region over the past half century.

NATO has not given any concession on the collective defense principles as a bedrock of its presence since the beginning. While successfully performing its cardinal task, the Alliance has also changed and adapted itself to the new security challanges and environment of the post Cold War era. Turkey firmly believes that NATO will continue to be the determining actor in the peace , security and stability of Euro-Atlantic region within the years ahead. Bosnia and Kosova experiences have revealed that reality.

The comprehensive evolution process of NATO in the aftermath of Cold War has culminated in its 50th Anniversary year , 1999. Through this procees , the Alliance has taken neccessary measures against potential security risks of the coming century.

The internal and external adjustment works successfully carried out within the evolution process constitute significant accommplishments aimed at eliminating the last remnants of the Cold War. In this framework,..Turkey has strongly supported and exerted every effort for the inclusion of the Balkan States in the next enlargement wave.

After becoming member of NATO in 1952, Turkey has fully adhered to its military and political obligations . In fact, Turkey attaches particular importance to the Alliance solidarity and also played significant role in the success of the Alliance as well as security and stability of Europe. In order to maintain the same role in the new security formations in Europe, Turkey sincerely hopes that neccessary structural adjustments would be fulfilled in the forthcoming period.