The first day of the NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting consisted in a working session of the NATO-Georgia Commission, which focused on the implementation of the NATO-Georgia Substantial Package, the participation of the Georgian partner in operations and exercises and evaluation of Georgia's proposals with respect to NATO's efforts in consolidating security in the Black Sea region.

Minister Mihai Fifor emphasized the progresses made by the Georgian partner with regard to NATO-Georgia cooperation and the need to increase dialogue in areas of common interest. In this context, the Romanian defence minister pointed out that ensuring regional security is a key-element of this cooperation, taking into account the fact that the situation in the Black Sea region is characterized by complex and complicated evolutions. Mihai Fifor emphasized Georgia's commitment in the Alliance efforts to ensure security in the region.

Also, on Wednesday, the Romanian defence minister participated in an Allied working dinner, where the officials tackled the equitable NATO burden sharing topic, as agreed upon at the June Summit.

The Allies committed to develop, by the end of the year, credible national plans in order to implement the Defence Investment Pledge DIP, as assumed at the 2014Wales Summit.

These plans will cover three dimensions, respectively Cash contributions- allocate up to 2% of the GDP for defence budget, build NATO-assigned capabilities and contribute to the NATO-led operations and missions.

In this context, Minister Fifor pointed out the fact that Romania successfully meets all these requirements, which proves that our country is a credible and committed ally in ensuring stability of the entire Alliance. Also, the defence minister mentioned that the equitable burden sharing must remain a priority on the Allied agenda, taking into account that this has implications in several fields, including with regard to the trans-Atlantic relation.

The Press Office