Dayton Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10), head of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, hosted leaders of the parliaments of NATO allies for the NATO Parliamentary Summit.

"On behalf of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I want to welcome you all and thank you for coming," said Turner in his introductory remarks. "This is an important time for us to come together not just because of the threats that we’re facing around the world but also because each of our nations is joining together as part of the NATO Summit. And as parliamentarians, we contribute to the overall policy debate and discussion."

Turner emphasized that a productive discussion would take place during this summit, aiming to inform debate and dialogue within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

"In 1955, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly was created. David Hobbs, former Secretary General of the Assembly, used to say that if there wasn’t a NATO PA, NATO would have to create one," he continued. "It is such an important function that we, as the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, come together to have a dialogue, inform our fellow parliamentarians, and discuss ways in which we’re formulating policy essential to overall policy formulations of NATO itself."

Turner also expressed pride in introducing Gerry Connolly as acting president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

"I was very honored from 2014 to 2016 to serve as President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. I’m certainly very proud to introduce now the acting president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, our former president, Gerry Connolly," he stated.

He concluded by acknowledging Secretary General Stoltenberg's commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the assembly and ensuring its representation at summits.

"You heard last night that Secretary General Stoltenberg has been very committed to the relationship with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and ensuring that we have a voice at the summit in addition to a place at the table always with him," Turner noted.

"So, on behalf of the U.S. delegation, first off let me welcome you and then secondly I want to also congratulate Gerry Connolly for his service both as past president and as current president."

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