Today is the 18th anniversary of 9/11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.

At NATO Headquarters, the Allies will lower their flags and pay their respects to the victims of the single deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the country with a moment of silence.

After 9/11 attacks, for the first time in its history NATO invoked Article 5 of the Washington Treaty and adopted a broader approach to security.

With UN Security Council Resolution 1386/20.12.2001 was established the International Security Assistance Force - ISAF. This is NATO's longest and the most challenging mission with participation of more than 130,000 troops from Allies and Partner nations. ISAF took place in the period 2003-2014. In 2015 started the non-combat train, advise and assist mission - Resolute Support. RSM assists the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and security related institutions in building capacity to protect the security and peace in the Afghanistan.

Remarks by NATO Secretary General: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/opinions_168690.htm