Minister of Defense, Sorin Frunzaverde and the Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Gheorghe Marin met Tuesday, December 12, 2006 in Baghdad with the Iraqi officials and representatives of the International Coalition and NATO Mission of Training in Iraq.

During the meeting at the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, with Minister Abdul Muhammed Qadir they evoked the Romanian military contribution in stabilization of Iraq, their professionalism and the way the succeeded to communicate with the local population. In the same time they expressed their interest in signing, probably next year, of an Agreement of cooperation between the Iraqi and the Romanian Ministries of Defense.

During the meeting at NATO Mission of Training, the Italian General Ernesto Aviano focused on the excellent behavior of the Romanian trainers that are thus contributing in the process of training of the Iraqi armed forces.

On the other side, during the talks with the chief of Staff of the Multinational Force, Lieutenant General Thomas L. Moore, the Minister Sorin Frunzaverde reiterated the commitment of the Romanian authorities in observing the engagements to the coalition and in promoting a predictable policy as concerning the Romanian presence in Iraq.

Minister Sorin Frunzaverde, Admiral Gheorghe Marin and the PM adviser on security, Stejarel Olaru met in Baghdad the Romanian military acting in the Iraqi capital.

Yesterday morning they inaugurated a new military base in Tallil and the Combat Flag of the 811th Infantry Battalion Dragonii Transilvani was decorated with the Merit National Order in rank of Knight with military signs granted through the Presidential Decree.

MoD Press Office