The Romanian and Bulgarian defence ministers, Mihnea Motoc and Nikolai Nankov Nencev, met at the defence ministry, on Monday, March 21.

The discussions focused on aspects related to intensifying bilateral defence cooperation, the latest developments of the regional security context and position coordination with a view to next NATO Summit in Warsaw, in July 2016.

Both parties stressed the need to continue bilateral defence cooperation as agreed by the two ministries.

The two officials assessed the possibilities to consolidate regional cooperation, meant to lead to the efficient countering of the risks and threats the two countries face in the extended Black Sea region.

Related to NATO Summit in Warsaw, a shared interest became apparent for the long-term adaptation of the Alliance, with a focus on the Black Sea region and an efficient deterrence and defence posture to counter threats to the security of the allies, regardless of the source. Possible initiatives were taken into discussion meant to consolidate the forward allied potions on the eastern flank, as agreed at the defence ministerial held in Brussels.

We made use of the the best ways to promote our ideas and interests in terms of implementing a forward allied position on the Eastern flank, with a focus on the area in which we have a common interest, namely the extended Black Sea region, where we have in mind developments on all operational fields, air, maritime and land, Mihnea Motoc pointed out.

Minister Motoc also declared that an expert level group will be established, to advance common initiatives agreed upon at ministerial level.
In turn, Minister Nencev praized the good cooperation between Romania and Bulgaria and spoke of the shared expectations from the next NATO Summit in Warsaw.

The two ministers also reiterated the commitment of the two governments to fully implement NATO Readiness Action Plan by the Summit, as a confirmation of the solidarity and commitment of the Alliance to strengthen collective defence in the present security environment.

Press Department