The Minister of National Defence, Mircea Dusa, met with Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller and with senior officials of the U.S. State Department and the Department of Defense at the defence ministry HQ, today, November 17.

The bilateral military exercises, the presence of U.S. Navy ships in the port of Constanta and of U.S. troops at the Mihail Kogalniceanu air base, the American support given to Romania within NATO are all proof that the Romanian-American partnership is highly valuable, functional and important for Romania, Defense Minister Mircea Dusa told the US officials. He also emphasized that the Romanian side wishes to make permanent, extend and increase the role of Mihail Kogalniceanu in the present security context.

As to the missile defence capability in Deveselu, the defence minister said that so far, both Romania and the United States observed deadlines in fulfilling the tasks agreed upon for rendering this facility fully operational while the activities aimed at ensuring the necessary infrastructure and communications systems will continue next year.

Another topic approached was the security situation on NATO's eastern flank and its influence on regional security.

'We welcome once again the U.S. decision to stay firmly committed to helping ensure the security of our country and promoting NATO solidarity, which allowed the implementation of the allies reassurance package and the adjustment of strategic decisions to the new realities', Minister Dusa said.

Rose Gottemoeller appreciates the bilateral cooperation as very good, voicing her conviction that the many joint military exercises would enhance further the cohesion of Romanian and American troops.

The U.S. officials also stressed the importance of Deveselu military base for the development of the NATO missile defence capability by strengthening the transatlantic connection between the U.S. and its European allies.

Another topic discussed was related to Romania's contribution in Afghanistan, when the American partner pointed out the professionalism of Romanian soldiers and stressed the importance of future cooperation.

MoND Press Office