Dear Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,
 
We have created a good momentum during the last couple of months within the NRC framework and much of this can be directly attributed to your personal efforts, Mr. Chairman, which we appreciate and support.   Much of that success is also bestowed upon the network of good bilateral contacts where we all contributed in national capacities. Now it is time to reinforce this momentum and to capitalize on this positive political environment.  This summit should mark the new beginning in our common efforts.
 
We have substantive results to show, based on the common understanding of the challenges and threats we face: the completed work on the Joint Review that will chart the practical aspect of our cooperation in the coming year as well as the reinforced cooperation on Afghanistan.   
 
The forward-looking proposal on the missile defense cooperation is another opportunity and I believe we should make use of it. It will bring us closer to a true strategic partnership. .
 
There are, and probably there will continue to be, some issues that we disagree upon. But there are substantially many more that we have common interest to act upon and we should do so. In order to achieve this synergy of efforts we should create more trust and we should aim for better understanding among ourselves. I agree with those who call for dispelling certain misperceptions that still linger within our societies.  The world is changing rapidly and we cannot allow for these misperceptions to stay with us.
 
Our interventions here today can serve as the assurance that there is a genuine political good will to guide us on that path. Our demonstrated dedication to the common goal of enhancing Euro-Atlantic security should be at the core of the message coming out of this venue.   
 
Thank you.