The Minister of National Defence, Mihnea Motoc, met with the chief of the US National Guard, General Frank J. Grass, on Friday, during the latter's official visit in Romania.
The talks included topics related to the current security context, bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Romanian-American Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership for the 21st century, the implementation of the assurance measures for Romania, cooperation in the theater of operations in Afghanistan, as well as aspects concerning the preparation of the future NATO summit in Warsaw in July 2016, in terms of the strategic adaptation of the Alliance.
The Romanian defence minister emphasized the essential support given by the USA to our country in the regional security context we live in, with a focus on the joint activities and exercises conducted by the Romanian armed forces and the US National Guard, the Alabama National Guard, in particular.
With a view to NATO summit, the Romanian official highlighted the interest for the long-term adaptation of the Alliance, with proper attention given to the Black Sea region and a deterring and defence position based on a strong allied presence on NATO's eastern flank.
The chief of the US National Guard Bureau, who visits Romania at the invitation of the chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Nicolae Ciuca, had several official meetings at the General Staff of the Romanian Armed Forces.
Lieutenant General Nicolae Ciuca briefed the American guests on the priorities of the Romanian Armed Forces Romanian in the near future, as well as on the commitment of the Romanian troops to 'Resolute Support' mission in Afghanistan.
An analysis was made of the commitments assumed within the Readiness Action Plan at the agreed dates, with focus on establishing the two allied command and control structures in Romania, namely NATO Force Integration Unit and the Multinational Division South-East that will ensure a visible and constant NATO presence in Romania and will play a key role and liaising national forces with the allied ones.
The officials also discussed the cooperation of the Romanian troops with the US National Guard during common training exercises and the programs conducted through the Partnership Program with the National Guard of the State of Alabama, as well as within 'Resolute Support' mission in Afghanistan.
Lieutenant General Ciuca thanked the chief of the US National Guard for the support offered the Romanian Armed Forces over the last 20 years, through National Guard of the State of Alabama, highlighting the increased complexity of the common training through field exercises with tactical teams organized this year: Red Dragon with recce units, Resolute Castle with Engineer units andDacian Warhawk and Dacian Viper with Air Force units.

MoND Press Office