The Minister of National Defence, Corneliu Dobritoiu, held a video-conference with the troops deployed in Afghanistan, on Friday, 18 May.

Minister Dobritoiu thanked the troops for the way they do their duty in Afghanistan, assuring them they have the full cooperation of the defence ministry. 'I reafirm strongly and with determination our support for the efforts you are doing in the theater of operations. Romania will continue to be a reliable and predictable partner, which is why we will maintain our level of contribution in international operations. We will be more interested in the quality aspect of our performance in the theaters of operations, in increasing the security of the deployed troops, by making a priority of the procurement programs related to this aspect. I am equally interested in rendering back the dignity of this institution, to gain once more respect for the military rank, to keep clear of any political involvement that may affect the morale and military esprit de corps', was the message of the defence minister to the troops participating in the video-conference.

The detachment commanders reported to the minister the main aspects concerning their main missions, the security situation in the areas of responsibility and the coordination relations they have with the troops of partner nations and local authorities.

The video-conference was attended by the chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant-General Stefan Danila and the deputy for operations and training in the Genral Staff, Lieutenant-General Valeriu Nicut.

MoND Press Office