NATO Foreign Ministers get a ‘taste of Wales’ ahead of September Summit
On 24 June the UK Joint Delegation to NATO hosted a reception and working dinner for NATO Foreign Ministers at the British Residence in Brussels.
First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones greets NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
Foreign Ministers from all 28 NATO Allies were greeted by the First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones upon arrival. They were then addressed by Jones, together with UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Carwyn Jones spoke a few words in Welsh before William Hague drew attention to the important role of Wales, emphasising that “Wales has had an influence on world affairs disproportionate to its size.”
The dinner gave ministers an opportunity to get a ‘taste of Wales’ ahead of the September summit, with a menu rich in Welsh produce.
The working dinner kick-started a series of NATO meetings of Foreign Ministers which took place in Brussels on 24-25 June, the last high-level meeting of NATO Allies to take place prior to the Wales Summit on 4-5 September 2014. The meetings focused on Ukraine, NATO’s partnerships, Afghanistan and preparations for the Summit, with the programme including the formal unveiling of the Wales Summit logo.