During the discussions on the \"Stage of US-Romanian Bilateral Programs\" organized by the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C., the Romanian defence minister`s presentation focused on two main topics, namely post-2014 NATO mission and the role of missile defence.

Mircea Dusa stated that 2014 represents a defining landmark for NATO: 'The withdrawal from Afghanistan marks the beginning of a new era in the existence of the Alliance. The end of the largest allied operation brings opportunities for the recalibration of priorities and commitments. Moreover, NATO agenda needs a new generation of opportunities in terms of developing defence capabilities'.

The defence minister`s message highlighted the fact that Romania continues to be one of the most active supporters of developing a new NATO capability of missile defence, as the US missile defence program in Europe is in compliance with the common agreement on developing an allied architecture in the field of missile defence'.

Deveselu missile defence location is one of the most important pillars of the Romania- USA Strategic Partnership in terms of security, a valuable contribution to developing NATO capabilities in the field', the defence minister said.

Last but not least, the talks approached the topic of a common front in the field of cyber defence, by highlighting the importance of implementing \"Cyber Defence\" concept in all NATO member states. In this respect, Mircea Dusa stressed that an attack against one single state can result in weakening the entire Alliance because of the present state of connections and networking, an opinion agreed on by all the other participants in the meeting.

During the reunion, the main message of the Council representatives was that we need an active Alliance able to respond to threats such as terrorism, conflicts, cyber threats or arms smuggling.

The talks agenda included the procurement program of the Romanian Air Force with F-16 multirole aircraft, the defence budget, the security situation in Syria and the importance of special operations forces.

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The Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan think tank that promotes constructive leadership and engagement in international affairs based on the central role of the Atlantic Community in meeting global challenges. Founded in 1961, the Council provides an essential forum for navigating the dramatic shifts in economic and political influence that are shaping the twenty-first century by educating and galvanizing its uniquely influential network of international political, business, and intellectual leaders. The Council`s ten regional centers and functional programs shape today`s policy choices and foster transatlantic strategies to advance international security and global economic prosperity. The Council organized the Summit of Young Atlanticists in Bucharest in 2008, on the occasion of the 2008 NATO Summit and the Black Sea Energy and Economic Forum (2009), which was opened by the former Chairman of the Atlantic Council, Senator Chuck Hagel, present US Secretary of Defense.

MoND Press Office