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Romania understands to make its own contribution to ensuring European and Euro-Atlantic security, in line with the pledged commitments, and this is proven both by the allocation of 2 percent of GDP for Defence, as well as by the US military presence on its territory, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Melescanu as cited in a Foreign Ministry release.
The statement was made in the context of the arrival this week, at the Mihail Kogalniceanu air base, of 500 troops of the 1st Battalion "Fighting Eagles" - 8th Infantry Regiment of the US Army 3rd Armored Brigade. The combat unit will be stationed in Romania for nine months.
"The presence of US forces as part of the Atlantic Resolve Operation reaffirms the constant commitment of the US towards Romania and the region, as well as the solidity of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US. It also contributes to strengthening the deterrence and defense posture on the eastern flank," the Foreign Ministry said.
In connection with this, Melescanu referred to the way Romania assumes its commitments of contributing towards Euro-Atlantic security.
"Romania understands to make a contribution of its own to ensuring European and Euro-Atlantic security, in line with the pledged commitments. Thus, along with the participation in international missions and operations, the decision to increase the Defence budget allocation to 2 pct of GDP per the NATO-set target is further proof of the seriousness whereby we treat these commitments," said Melescanu.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that these actions will strengthen Romania's international position.
"We view this growth not only from the perspective of our Forces' equipment, but also as a multiplication factor in the society and economy, which would reinforce Romania's international position in this area, also as a strategic partner of the United States," said the Foreign Minister as quoted in the release.
Upon the completion of their nine-month mission in Romania, the US troops will be replaced by another unit, thus ensuring a consistent, continuous rotational presence of US forces in Central and Southeast Europe, the Foreign Ministry said.
