"The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was founded on April 4th 1949 in Washington, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations by establishing an Alliance in which the participating countries are all interested in the maintenance of peace and in the protection of their freedom. The Alliance is an association of independent states, and their members take care of their safety through mutual guarantees and strong relationships with other countries. The NATO, proven to be the most successful political and military association of history, has managed to adjust to the situation of the world and that of the reshuffled Europe. The reunion of Germany, the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the dramatic changes in Central and Eastern Europe have reshuffled the security situation, the requirements of the member states have changed, but the dangers threatening peace and stability are still existing. NATO has followed these changes. The relations between Hungary and the NATO have become closer and closer since 1990. On March 8th 1993 Prime Minister József Antall announced to NATO Secretary General Manfred Wörner that Hungary intended to join the North Atlantic Treaty. From 1994 the cooperation in practice began in the framework of the Peace Partnership initiated by NATO. The European countries can take part in this by their own free will to the extent intended by them. The participation in the activities of NATO in Bosnia is of overriding significance. At the summit conference in Madrid on July 8th 1997 NATO invited Hungary, Bohemia and Poland to be its members. Simultaneously with the preparations for the acception of the new member states, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is being renewed and adapted to the changing requirements. NATO is the most important factor for the security of Europe. It takes responsibility for warranting peace in its own area and that of the regions connected to it, by cooperating with other international organizations, with Russia and the partner countries alike. The strategy and organization of NATO is adjusted to the new situation. On these issues and other not less important matters decisions are to be made by NATO at its jubilee summit meeting on April 24-25th 1999. At the summit conference where the Prime Minister of Hungary enjoys equal rights, he will be present as the Premier of a member state taking responsibilities and enjoying rights alike, and will vote in accordance with the Hungarian point of view on the strategically important matters of NATO."