Minister of Defense, Sorin Frunzaverde and Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Gheorghe Marin visited Thursday, December 14, the military base in Qalat, Zabul Province, Afghanistan the place of deployment for the 2nd Infantry Battalion Calugareni, the participants in the ISAF-2006 mission.

The Battalion commander, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Petrescu presented an information on the missions fulfilled together with the Provincial Reconstruction Team for the achieve of an environment of security and stability adequate for the implementation of the projects of development.

The Minister of Defense thanked the military of the 2nd Infantry Battalion Calugareni for their achievements, stating: the mission in Qalat is the most difficult mission the Romanian armed forces fulfilled since the WW 2. Sorin Frunzaverde also said General Ton Van Loon the commander of the ISAF Regional Command, South spoke very nice about the professionalism of the Romanian military and their commander, Lieutenant Colonel Petrescu, considering him as a valuable person. The Minister of Defense transmitted to all the military, on his behalf and in the name of the Government and the Presidency of Romania for the future days of celebration the traditional Merry Christmas!

Admiral Gheorghe Marin offered to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Petrescu the booklet of the General Staff and Stejarel Olaru offered to the Priest of the Unit an icon from the Prime Minister of Romania.

MoD Press Office