In his opening address the Minister stressed the importance of transatlantic relations and reminded the audience of values traditionally shared by both the US and Europe. The Forum gathered specialists on transatlantic relations from both shores of the Atlantic, some important former or current Ambassadors such as Ambassador Stephen King as well as high level officials from the State Department and the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The vocation of the two day meeting was to discuss the current key issues that need to be addressed between the USA and European partners such as relations after the NATO Summit, Euro Atlantic economic ties or influence of global powers. The meeting was financed by the Visegrad Fund.