DAYTON, OHIO – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) joined NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Marcos Perestrello and Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims for a press conference at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center to mark the official kickoff of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session. Congressman Turner noted that this is the first NATO Parliamentary Assembly hosted on American soil in 20 years — a testament to Dayton’s enduring legacy as an internationally significant city committed to peace, stability, and global cooperation.
Congressman Turner previewed this historic gathering commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the violence of the Balkan wars and paved a path toward peace in a region long scarred by conflict.
“We cannot separate this from the significance that we are coming together on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords,” said Congressman Turner. “The United States stepped in with our NATO partners, and the leadership of the Balkans came together here, and the Dayton Peace Accords was born.”
“NATO was created in 1955 by Members of Parliament who were determined to ensure the voices of legislators and through them those of the people were heard,” said NATO PA President Perestrello. “Through meetings like the one here in Dayton, the Assembly fosters transatlantic dialogue and cohesion, provides an essential link between NATO and the parliaments and citizens of NATO nations, and helps shape NATO policies and explain the alliance’s fundamental role of the cornerstone of Europe and North America’s security.”
“I’m so honored to work with Congressman Turner to provide, not just for the city of Dayton, but on the world stage to improve the quality of life of all the citizens here in town for NATO PA, who are focused on creating peace,” said Mayor Mims. “The work of NATO is very important to us.”
Background:
Dayton, Ohio is hosting the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session from May 22-26, marking the first time the U.S. has hosted the Assembly since 2003. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the Bosnian war in 1995.
NATO PA brings together over 1,000 guests, including 300 parliamentarians, diplomats, dignitaries and guests from NATO’s 32 member countries and partner nations, to discuss global security, democratic resilience, and shared defense priorities.