Safeguarding and security a new sense of common purpose
For over 60 years, NATO has successfully protected our populations and our principles. The transatlantic bond has been a wise investment that has delivered security dividends year after year. At our NATO summit in Chicago we will shape an Alliance that is capable of overcoming the economic crisis of today, while guaranteeing security for tomorrow. With more than 130,000 troops, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan remains our most important mission. Fifty Allies and partners are determined to ensure that the country will never again be a base for global terrorism. At our last NATO summit, in Lisbon in 2010, we agreed to a process of transition of our security responsibilities to the Afghan authorities by the end of 2014. That process is now under way and making progress. As Afghan security forces grow more confident and capable, our main effort will gradually shift to support, training and mentoring. At the Chicago Summit, we will demonstrate our commitment to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan, together with the whole international community, beyond 2014.