President Obama lauded NATO’ accomplishments over the past 60 years at an anniversary summit today in Strasbourg, France. “But while we celebrate NATO’s achievements, we can’t rest upon them. The 21st century has ushered in a new era of global threats. To meet these dangers, the alliance must renew and reform itself once more,” he said.

Among those dangers are terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This topic was a focus of NATO meetings as Obama has been seeking support for his new Afghan strategy.

NATO members agreed to provide about 5,000 troops and trainers to provide civilian assistance ahead of Afghanistan’s August elections. “All of NATO understands that al Qaeda is a threat to all of us, and that this collective security effort must achieve its goals,” the president said.