Minister of Defence Ionut Mosteanu said on Wednesday, following the announcement that the United States will withdraw part of its troops stationed in Romania, that around 1,000 American soldiers will remain at the bases in Deveselu, Campia Turzii and Mihail Kogalniceanu, with strategic capabilities remaining unchanged.
'Romania and its allies were informed of the United States' decision regarding the adjustment of American troops deployed in Europe on the Eastern Flank. Starting on Monday and Tuesday, we were officially informed, as Ministry, as Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our ambassador to NATO and the military attaché. This reassessment of posture is part of a broader strategy announced by the United States at the beginning of the year. The proposal is now before the US Congress. Messages have been conveyed over the past few months publicly, including two weeks ago at the NATO ministers' meeting in Brussels, when the US Secretary of Defence once again told European partners that Europe has strengthened its position on the Eastern Flank and, generally, across Europe, agreeing to arm itself better and pay more attention to its own defence. The United States will now focus more on the Indo-Pacific,' Mosteanu said.
The Defence Minister pointed out that approximately 1,000 American troops, as well as all strategic capabilities, will remain in Romania.
'It is important to underscore that this is not a withdrawal of American forces, but rather the suspension of the rotation of a brigade that had elements in several NATO countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary. Around 1,000 American soldiers will continue to be stationed in Romania, contributing to deterring any threats and representing a guarantee of the United States' commitment to regional security. Strategic capabilities remain unchanged, the strategic assets here in Romania remain in place. The missile defence system at Deveselu remains fully operational. The air base at Campia Turzii continues to serve as a key point for air operations and allied cooperation. The Mihail Kogalniceanu base continues to be developed. The American flag will continue to fly at all three locations. At the Kogalniceanu base, an air combat group will remain in place, as was the case before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine,' Mosteanu explained.
According to him, Romania and the United States will continue their cooperation, with new military capabilities expected to arrive in Romania.
'Cooperation between Romania and the United States remains strong and is continuously developing, from rotations to new forces, new capabilities, new exercises. The United States remains Romania's main supplier of military technology, and this will continue. We have recently received from our American partners an advanced air defence system that will enhance our protection against unmanned aerial vehicles. It will soon be integrated into our operational plans. I thank our American partners for their consistent contribution to the security of the Eastern Flank and for their support in strengthening the defensive capabilities of Romania and our allies on this flank. Our strategic partnership is solid, predictable and reliable,' Mosteanu underscored.
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