C.
, laying the foundation for a defensive Alliance aimed at counteracting the ravages of war in Europe and symbolizing the enduring bond between Europe and North America.
The signing of the Washington Treaty by the United Kingdom stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (N.
A.
T.
O.
), which serves as the linchpin of our security and the principles we cherish.
While extending a warm welcome to the citizens of Sweden and Finland under the protective umbrella of N.
A.
T.
O.
, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine amid an unprovoked invasion.
N.
A.
T.
O.
has exhibited resolute solidarity with Ukraine in their valiant struggle for sovereignty.
The United Kingdom has been an integral part since the outset.
While the headquarters of N.
A.
T.
O.
have relocated from Belgrave Square in London to Paris and now to Brussels, its primary mission remains constant: safeguarding the over one billion citizens of our N.
A.
T.
O.
Allies.
This indispensable Alliance continues to thrive and evolve in the face of emerging threats and obstacles.
Notably, being born half a year prior to the establishment of N.
A.
T.
O.
, I wish to convey my personal appreciation and felicitations to N.
A.
T.
O.
on its seventy-fifth anniversary.
This serves as a moment of jubilation and a reaffirmation of N.
A.
T.
O.
's fundamental tenet: upholding peace and security.
Warm regards, Charles R.