Operation Overlord Countries To Agree On Joint D-Day Statement

US Army personnel disembark from their landing craft during the Normandy landings in 1944 (Picture: PA).

Representatives from 16 nations are to affirm their shared responsibility to ensure the horrors of the Second World War are never repeated.

The joint proclamation, which will be made on Wednesday, just hours ahead of the D-Day 75th anniversary, will come from the countries which were involved in Operation Overlord.

Dignitaries from the 16 countries will be attending commemorations alongside the Queen, the Prince of Wales, members of the British military and the Prime Minister.

"Over the last 75 years, our nations have stood up for peace in Europe and globally, for democracy, tolerance and the rule of law," representatives will say the statement.

"We re-commit today to those shared values because they support the stability and prosperity of our nations and our people.

"We will work together as allies and friends to defend these freedoms whenever they are threatened."

The statement will commit to resolving international tensions peacefully.

"In this way, we salute the surviving veterans of D-Day and we honour the memories of those who came before us."

The ceremony will be held in Portsmouth and is the first time that so many world leaders have gathered in Britain since the London 2012 Olympics.

The prime ministers of Australia, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the president of Greece, New Zealand's governor-general, Slovakia's deputy PM and the Danish ambassador are due to attend.