The discussions in recent weeks have shown me that NATO is alive and well. We are an alliance of democracies and we do not shy away from debate. Substantive debates can make our alliance stronger.

Together with our Allies, we therefore want to continue what NATO stands for, namely a stable and close alliance of shared values across the Atlantic – an alliance that seeks to preserve peace and security.

This is what my proposal for a process of reflection under the aegis of the Secretary General aims to achieve.