In the splendid Vienna Military Museum, we have remembered the key NATO role for peace and security in Europe. Director of the Museum Christian Ortner and Ambassador Ivo Šrámek, in lieu of Czech Ambassador to Austria, welcomed distinguished guests, among them Members of the Austrian Parliament, Officers of the Austrian Armed Forces as well as NATO and Partner country Ambassadors. Czech Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Povejšil stressed the unique contribution of NATO Membership to the security of the Czech Republic vis-a-vis traditional and new threats. Director General of the Austrian Foreign Ministry Andreas Riecken praised cooperation within the Partnership for Peace Programme and recalled substantial contributions by Austria to NATO-led operations. Laurie Walker, representing NATO HQ, emphasised the enduring commitment of the Allies to one another and continuing relevance of NATO in the deteriorating security environment.

Participants watched with interest short NATO videos and a ceremony performed by the officers of the Czech Armed Forces. They had an opportunity to see an exhibition on NATO Anniversaries as well as on the 1968 Czechoslovak crisis from then NATO perspective. Guests also enjoyed a private tour of the Military Museum.