Dayton Reporter

Today, a press conference was held at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in Dayton, Ohio, marking the start of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session. Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) joined NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Marcos Perestrello and Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims to announce this significant event.

Congressman Turner highlighted that this is the first time in 20 years that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is being hosted on American soil. He emphasized Dayton's historical significance as a city dedicated to peace and global cooperation. The session also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Balkan wars.

“We cannot separate this from the significance that we are coming together on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords,” said Congressman Turner. “The United States stepped in with our NATO partners, and the leadership of the Balkans came together here, and the Dayton Peace Accords was born.”

NATO PA President Perestrello explained, “NATO was created in 1955 by Members of Parliament who were determined to ensure the voices of legislators and through them those of the people were heard.” He added that meetings like this foster transatlantic dialogue and cohesion.

Mayor Mims expressed his honor in collaborating with Congressman Turner for this event. “I’m so honored to work with Congressman Turner to provide, not just for the city of Dayton, but on the world stage to improve the quality of life of all citizens here in town for NATO PA,” he said.

Dayton hosts over 1,000 guests during this session from May 22-26. This includes parliamentarians, diplomats, dignitaries from NATO’s member countries and partner nations discussing security and defense priorities.