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Romania's contributions to NATO make the Alliance stronger and safer, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Wednesday at the end of the meeting with Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila in Brussels.
"Romania being such a staunch and highly valued ally. This year is the fifteenth anniversary of Romania joining our Alliance.Your membership has been important for NATO and for Romania. You contribute to our shared security in many different ways and your contributions are making us all stronger and safer," Jens Stoltenberg specified.
The Secretary General of the Alliance also talked about the presence of the Romanian armed forces in international missions under the NATO aegis.
"Romanian forces are part of NATO's training mission in Afghanistan, helping to stabilize the country. And you contribute to stability in the Western Balkans with your troops in the KFOR mission. Romania also plays a crucial role in the security in the Black Sea region. Including with a Romanian-led, multinational brigade in Craiova; air policing and a strong naval presence. Romania also hosts a site for NATO's Ballistic Missile Defence, at Deveselu. Helping to protect Europe from missile threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. So thank you for all that Romania does to make us all more secure," Stoltenberg said.
He underscored that NATO and the EU work increasingly closer in several äreas.
"At the start of January, Romania assumed the presidency of the European Union for the first time. NATO and the EU are already working more closely than ever, in areas including military mobility, cyber and hybrid threats, and maritime security. And I welcome your plans for further strengthening NATO-EU cooperation during Romania's presidency," Stoltenberg said.
The Secretary General of NATO highlighted Romania's plans regarding the allocation of 2 percent of GDP for the endowment of the Army.
"We face a more dangerous and unpredictable world, so it is important that all Allies invest in defence. I welcome therefore Romania's plans to spend 2 percent of GDP on defence this year. And that you intend to modernise your armed forces over the next decade. This is important, because fair burden-sharing means more than just cash. It also means investing in modern capabilities, and contributing to NATO missions and operations. I encourage Romania to continue on this path," Jens Stoltenberg further said, thanking in the end the Romanian prime minister for the strong commitment to the Alliance.
