On Thursday, 13 February, the defence ministers of the NATO members states had an exchange of opinions on the status of implementation of the enforced defence and deterrence posture and equitable burden sharing.

In this session, the officials approached a series of additional recommendations made by the Alliance in response to Russia's development of the medium-range missile systems as well as aspects referring to the evolutions made in the implementation of NATO's Initiative with regard to the increase of the (NATO Readiness Initiative), the implementation of NATO's adapted Command Structure, making operational SACEUR's area of responsibility as well as characteristics of cybernetic defence at allied level.

In his allocution, defence minister Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca emphasized the importance of a robust, efficient and credible presence in Romania, taking into consideration the complex and volatile security situation from the Black Sea area. In this context, he talked about the status of the implementation of the tFP measures and emphasized the importance of the Allied contribution to the consolidation of the readiness level of the MN BDE-SE for the continuation of the enhanced Air Policing missions, as well as for the establishment of the Multinational Corps South East Headquarters (HQ MNC-SE).

Also, the Romanian official pointed out Romania's decision to continue implement its commitment in the field of fair burden sharing, emphasizing the fact that 2% of the GDP was also allocated for defence expenditures this year; these funds will enable the investments into the necessary capabilities and equipment in accordance with the security context in the region.

The last working session, in the RSM format, offered the opportunity for the discussion of the progress made in the peace-keeping process from Afghanistan and the further evolution perspectives of Resolute Support Mission.

The defence minister highlighted the importance that Romania gives to the continuation of NATO's commitment in Afghanistan, as well the national interest in the evolution of the peace-keeping process, with a major role for the evolution of NATO's involvement in the region. In this context, he specified that our country will maintain its contribution in Afghanistan, in accordance with the evolution of the Allied plans, at the same time, emphasizing that Romania is the fifth top contributor to the RSM.

As part of the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers, the Romanian official had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart from Luxemburg, Francois Bausch, where they discussed ways of increasing bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and current security and defence aspects listed on the Allied agenda. The Romanian defence minister evoked the national steps taken for the establishment of the Multinational Corps South-East Headquarters (HQ MNC-SE) and requested the support in the implementation of the projects associated to the development of this structure. The two dignitaries discussed a series of multinational initiatives that are to be initiated within Allied framework, to which Romania and Luxemburg may be part of, according to the fair burden sharing principle.

The Press Office