Clearly, from all I’ve just said, our agenda is a full one. And it’s no secret that there are powerful forces of discontent swirling around the globe today to which the transatlantic community is also far from immune. These forces test our resilience, they test our purpose, they test our unity, they test our steadfastness of commitment, and the sustainability of our democratic ideals.

But I make the point today and I made the point to my colleagues that the change of an administration in the United States will not change the unwavering commitment of the United States to these ideals or to our NATO obligations.

Let me share with you what I told my colleagues more specifically: The United States commitment to NATO and to Article 5 transcends politics. This alliance has enjoyed political support beyond political parties and beyond one branch of government or another, and across our vast land, the United States, I can tell you we remain committed to those principles.