Minister of National Defense Mircea Dusa met with Mr. Damon Wilson, executive Vice President Atlantic Council, at MoND HQs on Tuesday, March 12th.

Minister Dusa began by expressing his sincere regrets and heartfelt sympathy on the death of the US service members killed on duty yesterday when a helicopter crashed in Southern Afghanistan.

A major talking point on the meeting agenda was the preparation and accommodation of the Deveselu Airbase. The Defense Minister briefed the US official on the on-going construction works. \"The works are advanced at this point.

Local authorities are taking steps to make the access route and sewage system back up the airbase activity, and improve transportation conditions\", Minister Dusa explained.

In his turn, Damon Wilson said that Romania had been a reliable ally in every project developed with the US. \"The Deveselu initiative is an important project to bind our two nations together in the years ahead. I command you for increasing your defense budget, which will definitely facilitate the modernization and procurement process\" declared Wilson.

The fact that Romania continues to attach great importance to the operation in Afghanistan was also appreciated by Damon Wilson. In this light, he congratulated Minister Mircea Dusa for the unceasing efforts and professionalism of the troops deployed into the Theatres of Operation. \"Romania has always fulfilled all its commitments, and will continue to do so, along with its partners. We will take all the necessary steps to help restore local security and independence\", said the Romanian Minister.

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Damon Wilson is the executive Vice President of the US Atlantic Council, also acting as a leading ideologist and manager in charge with strategy and strategic initiatives, programs, integration, institutional development and organizational effectiveness. His specializes in NATO, Transatlantic Relations, Central and Eastern Europe, as well as national security issues.

From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Wilson served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council. Between 2001 and 2004, he also served as Deputy Director of the Private Office of the NATO Secretary General.

MoND Press Office