Premium
President Iohannis: The Cincu Battle Group is the core of this NATO construction
The Cincu Battle group is the core of this NATO construction, President Klaus Iohannis said on Tuesday at the Getica National Joint Training Centre.
"Together with the allies, we will further strengthen the NATO components on Romania's soil, especially this battle group," added Iohannis.
He said that Romania will support Ukraine for "as long as it takes."
Iohannis welcomed at Cincu Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel and addressed the troops who are part of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Romania.
Also in the Luxembourgish retinue was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Francois Bausch.
The battle group consists of approximately 1,000 French, Dutch, Belgian and Luxembourgish soldiers. France is its framework nation.
"Through the joint effort of our Romanian and Luxembourgian military, together with the other allies, we are increasing NATO's ability to respond to current security threats. Today, Romania is an important centre of NATO's enhanced deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank and the Black Sea, a region of strategic interest for the security of the Euro-Atlantic space," said the Romanian head of state.
He added that "hosting the hub for the training of F-16 pilots, including Ukrainians," is a clear example of Romania's commitment to Ukraine.
Iohannis told the troops: "The professionalism, dedication and strength of character that define you make NATO the strongest political and military alliance in history. You know better than anyone that together we are stronger! Through the activity you carry out, together with the Romanian military, I am convinced that you will increase the level of interoperability and, thus, the efficiency of our common action."
