The first session of the Defence Ministers' Meeting was about analyzing the stage of implementing NATO Readiness Action Plan (RAP) and the consolidation of the deterrence and defence posture of the Alliance.

The ministers were informed on the progress of implementing RAP and decided that the process should continue at a fast pace so that by the Summit in Warsaw the goals assumed in 2014 be met.

Also, a decision was adopted on consolidating a forward position on the Eastern flank and the allied military forces were requested to prepare and forward specific propositions in this respect.

Military authorities are going to give suggestions on the management of challenges that come from NATO southern proximity.

The Allied Defence Ministers declared the initial operational capability for NATO's Joint Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (JISR) initiative.

The Romanian defence minister saluted the progresses made in implementing RAP and spoke of Romania's contribution to the process and mentioned the double national contribution to the enhanced NATO Response Force- eNRF, the progress in activating and rendering operational of the NFIU and the Multinational Division South-East, the enhanced participation in training exercises and activities. He restated the pledge made by the Romanian authorities to increase the defence budget until NATO goal is met of allotting two percent of the GDP from 2017 on. Minister Motoc endorsed the decisions concerning an enhanced forward allied presence to the east and presented Romania's vision on the measures that could be taken in this respect in the South of the Eastern flank of NATO.

Press Department