Today, April 24, at the MoND HQ, the Minister of National Defence Mihai Stanisoara met NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer in the two days visit in Romania.
The agenda of talks between the two dignitaries enlisted the issues tackled at the Alliance's Summit meeting in Strasbourg and Kehl, the North Atlantic Alliance's initiative on the antimissile defense, on the ISAF mission evaluation in Afghanistan and other issues of common interest.
The Romanian Minister of National Defense appreciated Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer's special balanced leading style, as the Secretary General in a time of transformation of NATO and thanked for the granted support to Romania.
"Your mandate started the year Romania was accepted within the North Atlantic Alliance. You permanently were alongside us on this route, since 2004 up to now, and we never forget your essential contribution to promote Romania's initiatives within NATO and to the successful organize of the Bucharest Summit" stated Minister Mihai Stanisoara.
On his turn, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer transmitted his condolences to the families of the 11 militaries that were killed in action in Afghanistan and stressed on the special performances of the Romanian militaries in the theatres of operations and thanked to our country for the significant contribution to the missions the Alliance assumed in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans.
"I visited the Romanian militaries in Zabul. I know how important is the Romanian Armed Forces' contribution in Afghanistan not only against terrorism but to the process of reconstruction, too. The performances of the Romanian militaries are well known and appreciated at NATO leading level and I want to transmit my sincere thanks for their efforts" stated NATO Secretary General.
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer visits Romania for the last time as the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance; his mandate lasts till July 31, 2009.

MoND Press Office