PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER TO PARTICIPATE IN NATO SUMMIT

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that he will take part in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 19-20, 2010.


“At the NATO Summit, leaders will be able to discuss progress in Afghanistan and launch the transition process that will ultimately see the Government of Afghanistan take responsibility for its security,” said Prime Minister Harper. 

Leaders will discuss a new Strategic Concept, which confirms the importance of collective defence and incorporates important lessons learned from NATO operations in Afghanistan.  This document will guide the evolution of the Alliance to meet the security challenges of the 21st century.  Alongside the new Strategic Concept, leaders will consider a significant reform package to make the Alliance more efficient and flexible. 
 
At a NATO-Russia Council Summit, leaders will discuss security issues and explore enhancing cooperation in areas of common interest, including Afghanistan, counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism.   
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, will accompany Prime Minister Harper to the Summit.