The 18th International Antalya Conference on Security and Cooperation began in Belek town of south-western province of Antalya on Friday.

Organized by the Atlantic Council of Turkey on December 3 and 4, discuss of current transatlantic issues and related international developments by eminent Turkish and foreign participants.

The main theme of the 18th Conference is “the New Strategic Concept and NATO towards Year 2020”.

In a message sent to the Conference, Turkish President Abdullah Gul said that “the Conference will facilitate a better understanding of current risks and threats and possible ways for fighting against them right after the recent NATO Summit in Lisbon”.

In his message sent to the Conference, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Atlantic Treaty Association has enormous experience in the issues of international security and transatlantic relations.

Activities taking place under the auspices of the Association deserve praise and appreciation. The Conference in Antalya will provide a venue for the exchange of views as the NATO Alliance gets closer to 2020, Erdogan said.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Conference, the President of the Atlantic Council of Turkey, Omer E. Akbel said that the latest NATO Summit in Lisbon was one in which historic decisions were taken.