The Minister of National Defence Gabriel Les and the chief of General Staff, Nicolae Ciuca met with General John W. Nicholson, commander of NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (RSM) at the ministry of defence, on Thursday, April 6, as part of the latter's official visit in Romania.

Minister Les and General Nicholson discussed the progress registered in achieving the objectives of Resolute Support Mission, the participation of the Romanian armed forces in NATO's effort to support and train Afghan defence and security forces, as well as the recent developments in the international security environment.

Minister Les reiterated the commitment of the Romanian authorities to NATO's effort to stabilize Afghanistan, namely participating in RSM, ensuring the Afghan security forces sustainability and enhancing NATO-Afghanistan Enduring Partnership through political dialogue and practical cooperation.

General Nicholson thanked the Romanian military for their contribution to NATO's operational commitment to Afghanistan. In this context, he briefed on the current state and the prospects of RSM, emphasizing the need to maintain the allies' flexibility towards continuing the mission and the importance of the efforts to support and strengthen Afghan forces in order to develop the neccessary capabilities to assume responsibility for Afghanistan's security.

The chief of General Staff and the NATO official discussed in detail Romania's initiatives and propositions to enhance NATO presence on the south-east flank of the Alliance, the stage in their implementation and the Romanian Armed Forces' participation in operations and missions under NATO, EU and UN aegis.

The two generals also assessed the security situation in Afghanistan and the prospects of the Resolute Support Mission, as well as the future contribution of the Romanian Armed Forces to it.

RSM Commander's visit was a good opportunity for the Romanian side to brief on the NATO commands hosted by Romania and on the stage in making the Multinational Brigade operational, as part of the commitments made by our country to NATO.

'Romania has a substantial contribution to Afghanistan. I appreciate the professionalism of the Romanian military and the key role Romania plays in the North-Atlantic Alliance,' General Nicholson stated.

At the end of the meeting, General Ciuca thanked for the support given by the US forces to the Romanian troops during Resolute Support Mission Afghanistan.

Press Department