During his speech, Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan R. Cohen underscored the importance of the NATO alliance, as the organization this year celebrates its 60th Anniversary

On Thursday, April 16, 2009, Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan R. Cohen underscored the importance of the NATO alliance, as the organization this year celebrates its 60th Anniversary, during a speech at the European Students’ Forum, or Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l'Europe (AEGEE).

Several hundred European students from AEGEE, an interdisciplinary student organization, attended this year’s General Assembly meeting in Cyprus. The group aims to promote a unified Europe without prejudices, create an open and tolerant society, and foster democracy, human rights, and tolerance.

During a panel entitled “Perspectives on Europe’s Future” at Near East University, DCM Cohen spoke with more than 100 students from over 30 different countries and highlighted how, through participation in NATO, the U.S. and our European allies work to achieve the fundamental goals of peace, security, stability and partnership. Quoting President Barack Obama’s recent statement in Strasbourg, Mr. Cohen noted, “The NATO Alliance has been the cornerstone of trans-Atlantic security for the past 60 years. The United States is committed to its success, and knows that it is through close cooperation with Allies and partners that we can overcome our most difficult challenges.”