„Defence Cooperation Roadmap for 2020-2030”, signed by the Minister of National Defence and the US Secretary of Defence

Defence Minister Nicolae-Ionel Ciucã, who was on official visit to Washington, and the US Secretary of Defence, Mark T. Esper, signed the “ Defence Cooperation Roadmap for 2020-2030”, on Thursday, 8 October, at Pentagon.

The paper contains the strategic priorities regarding the consolidation of cooperation at the Black Sea, continuous rotation of the US forces in Romania, the consolidation of efforts in the cybernetic security and resilience fields and the US assistance offered in order to reach the allied target capabilities and modernize the armed forces.

At the beginning of the meeting, minister Ciucã sent a message on behalf of the Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, wishing health to President Donald Trump.
“Our countries share an exceptional and long-lasting Strategic Partnership, built in time and throughout many missions performed in the theaters of operations where our soldiers fought together. The Unites States are our trustworthy partner and ally”, said the Romanian defence minister.

The two officials also talked about the evolution of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States in the military field and ways of increasing defence cooperation by means of the opportunities offered by the implementation of the Roadmap, as essential elements that provide for our security and stability in the Black Sea area.

The meeting stood for an excellent opportunity to exchange opinions on the main security developments in the regional and international environment as well as an opportunity to discuss concrete aspects on the cooperation with the US both at bilateral and allied levels.

“Romania strongly supports the rotation of the US soldiers in the Black Sea region. We understand that such a commitment means, both for us and the rest of the allies, the generation of new capabilities”, minister Ciucã said, emphasizing the fact that increasing the number of exercises conducted on Romanian territory, both at bilateral and allied levels, is part of the main goal of consolidating NATO’s presence and visibility on the Eastern flank. The minister highlighted the preoccupation of the Romanian Armed Forces to increase military mobility, which is proved in the programs initiated for the modernization of Mihail Kogãlniceanu and Câmpia Turzii Air Bases.

Another important topic debated was Romania’s contribution to the equitable burden sharing efforts on all its dimensions – allocated resources, developed capabilities and participation in allied missions, operations and activities. Also, the officials emphasized the fact that our country is a responsible ally which maintain its 2% GDP allocation for defence expenditures.

Bilateral cooperation in the acquisitor of military equipment is an element which consolidate the Strategic Partnership. “A few weeks ago, Romania made the reception of the first PATRIOT system, our country being the first state on the Eastern Flank equipped with HSAM systems. The allocation of 2% of the GDP for defence, starting 2017, enabled the Romanian Armed Forces to equip with modern combat capabilities and initiate and run credible procurement programs”, minister Ciucã stated.

The Secretary of Defence declared that the USA appreciate the fact that Romania is a robust ally and that the relation between the two countries became stronger, in time, reiterating the fact Romania’s substantial commitment to the allied anti-missile defence by hosting the Aegis Ashore system. Also, Mark T. Esper emphasized the fact that the USA stay firmly committed in promoting peace, democracy and freedom.

The meeting was also attended by Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu, the chief of Defence Staff, George Maior, the Romanian Ambassador to the USA and Simona Cojocaru, State Secretary and chief of Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations.

As part of the meeting from the Pentagon, the delegation headed by Minister Ciucã laid a wreath to the Unknown Soldier’s Grave from Arlington National Military Cemetery.

The Press Office