And it was really great to be together and to meet together again in person, as a truly transatlantic family, or as Prime Minister Johnson said, it was like the first day back at school, seeing all your old friends again. And that was really the atmosphere in the room.
Today, we open a new chapter for our Alliance. We addressed key issues for our security and took far-reaching decisions. We heard a strong message from President Biden on America’s commitment to NATO, and an equally strong commitment to other Allies in return. All leaders agreed that, in an age of global competition, Europe and North America must stand strong together in NATO. To defend our values and our interests. Especially at a time when authoritarian regimes like Russia and China challenge the rules-based order.