NATO remains the cornerstone of transatlantic defence, supporting security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond through its operations and missions, from Kosovo to Afghanistan. As this month's NATO summit will demonstrate, it is the key forum for transatlantic discussion and dialogue on political and security issues. Its deepening relationships with an expanding range of partners and institutions, from the European Union to Gulf countries, are also making an important contribution to meeting today's security challenges. NATO will continue this role in the future.