On Tuesday, January 7, Defence Minister Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu, met with the Deputy Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General John E. Hyten, as part of a previously scheduled visit of the US troops deployed outside the American territory.

The Strategic Partnership between the USA and Romania, bilateral military cooperation and within the Alliance and the evolution of the security situation from the extended region of the Black Sea were the main topics discussed during the meeting.

Minister Nicolae Ionel-Ciuca emphasized the importance of cooperation within the bilateral Strategic Partnership, a fundamental pillar for Romania's security and defence. With regard to military cooperation, the minister of national defence reminded of the constant support received from the United States European Command. This support brought an important contribution to the transformation process of the Romanian Armed Forces into a modern structure, adapted to the new strategic realities.

During the same meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu, talked to General Hyten about concrete ways of helping increase readiness level and interoperability of forces, including about the importance of cooperation between the two Allied and partner armed forces in the current security environment, by conducting certain joint training activities and exercises, as well as about the possibilities to expand Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base.

At the end of the meeting, the three officials highlighted the importance both states attach to the bilateral relation and expressed their commitment in continuing dialogue within the Strategic Partnership and NATO, with a view of developing cooperation in the field of defence.

The Press Office