To act in solidarity should thus remain the rule, not the exception - for such solidarity will provide the cornerstone of our success in managing the challenge of the 21st century. Much of the positive developments of the last years have been inspired by the decisions and initiatives of this Alliance. If we retain this cohesion we can confidently cope with an ever more complex agenda. But this requires more than a common vision of the future, or a political commitment to a common course of action. It also requires the commitment of adequate resources to get the job done.
Security still carries a price tag.
This, too, should be part of our wider strategic consensus. In April next year we will celebrate NATO's 50th anniversary at our Washington Summit. This Summit should be more than a celebration of NATO's past achievements. It should first and foremost look ahead. We will look ahead.