On Thursday, October 11th, at the MoND headquarters, defence minister, Mihai Fifor met with the chief of National Security Bureau of the Republic of Poland, State Secretary Pawe³ Soloch.

The talks focused on ways of collaboration between Romania and Poland with a view of implementing the decisions made at the recent Brussels NATO Summit, and enhancing cooperation both on the Alliance Eastern flank and among the European Union. The two officials analyzed the security developments in the region, in the context of the complex hybrid challenges that have emerged both in the Black Sea region and in the Baltic Sea area.

The minister of national defence thanked the Polish State Secretary for the contributions made by Poland to the Allied assurance consolidation measures on the Eastern flank by participating with troops to the Multinational South-East Brigade from Craiova and reiterated his support in ensuring a robust Allied defence and deterrence posture. At the same time, the defence minister restated Romania's commitment on the implementation of the reinforced Allied presence which materialized in the participation of the Romanian soldiers in the US Battle Group, Poland.

The two officials emphasized the B9 Initiative significant dynamics - as part of the regional cooperation - which proved its importance in the way the participating states make the most of their advanced initiatives within this consultation format.

The defence cooperation between Romania and Poland has registered an ascending trend this year. We co-organized the B9 Defence Ministers' Meeting, in Bucharest, we cooperate very well and we always support each other's initiatives within EU and NATO. On this occasion, we sent the message that our countries are the main stability pillars on the Alliance Eastern flank, at the same time ensuring the balance and the coherence of the entire region. Also, Romania and Poland remain firmly committed to the strengthening of the trans-Atlantic relation, an essential aspect for the assurance of the European security and stability, defence minister Mihai Fifor stated.

The Press Office