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UK's King Charles III invoked the legacy of 9/11 and called for renewed global unity, asserting that the same transatlantic resolve shown in the fight against terrorism must now be applied to securing peace in Ukraine.
Addressing a Joint Meeting of the United States Congress on Tuesday (local time), the British monarch framed the moment as one of shared history and urgent contemporary relevance. Marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, King Charles III described the tragedy as a defining moment not just for the United States, but for the world. "This year, of course, also marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11. This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world," he said, recalling how the international community came together in its aftermath. "In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article 5 for the first time, and the United Nations Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together - as our people have done so for more than a century, shoulder to shoulder, through two World Wars, the Cold War, Afghanistan and moments that have defined our shared security," the King said. Drawing a direct line from past cooperation to present challenges, he stressed that the same unity is now essential. "Today, that same, unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine and her most courageous people. It is needed in order to secure a truly just and lasting peace," he added, placing the Ukraine conflict within a broader framework of collective security. The King also highlighted the enduring strength of NATO and the depth of military and intelligence cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States. He noted that defence ties between the two countries are "hardwired together," with personnel, expertise and joint programmes spanning decades. "We are building F-35s together. And we have agreed the most ambitious submarine programme in history - AUKUS - in partnership with Australia," he said, emphasising that such initiatives are not symbolic but essential to ensuring long-term security and resilience. Beyond defence, King Charles pointed to the broader foundation of the transatlantic partnership, including economic cooperation and technological innovation. He highlighted growing collaboration in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and nuclear fusion, noting that these efforts hold the promise of shaping the future while safeguarding prosperity. The address also acknowledged current global instability, with the monarch noting that the world is facing "times of great uncertainty" amid conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. Referencing to the assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton, he reiterated that "such acts of violence will never succeed," reinforcing the importance of protecting democratic institutions. Positioning the US-UK alliance as both historic and forward-looking, King Charles III underscored that shared values of democracy, rule of law and collective security remain central. (ANI)
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