Mr. Secretary General,

President Havel,

Dear friends and colleagues,

We have just changed the political map of Europe. On behalf of the people of Norway, I am honoured to welcome seven new members to join in our common efforts to safeguard freedom and democracy.

Our decision today has a profound impact on so many; for seven countries and millions of European citizens it means that important aspirations have been met. A new step has been taken away from a painful past and towards a promising future.

I am therefore pleased to see our European neighbours from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea among the invitees. We will do our utmost to support them as they take their rightful place among us.

NATO will continue to be an inclusive Alliance. This enlargement will not take place at the expense of other candidates or partners. It will also bring the day closer when additional candidates can join the Alliance. This is a commitment we have made and it is a commitment we repeat on this historic day.