STRASBOURG, France (CNN) -- President Obama hailed the NATO summit in Europe on Saturday, calling the meeting "very productive" and praising the alliance's commitment to the fight in Afghanistan. President Obama, speaking Saturday at the end of the NATO summit, said it was successful. "Today I'm confident that we took a substantial step forward to renewing our alliance to meet the challenges of our time," said Obama. Speaking to reporters as demonstrators protested against more involvement in Afghanistan, Obama said he was "pleased NATO allies pledged their strong and unanimous support" for America's new strategy in Afghanistan -- which calls for more troops, trainers and civilian workers.
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NEW: Obama says NATO meeting "very productive"
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NEW: "I'm confident that we took a substantial step forward," Obama says
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NATO allies contributing combat troops, trainers to Afghanistan
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Ceremony marks France's return as a full NATO member
He said @placeholder's NATO allies and partners have agreed to supply more combat troops to help shore up security during Afghan elections later this year.