Minister of National Defence, Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca, participates in the Meetings of NATO Ministers of Defence, organized in the videoconference format, over 17-18 February.

Dring the talks held the first day of the event chaired by NATO's General Secretary, Jens Stoltenberg , at the Alliance General Headquarters from Brussels, the officials approached topics referring to NATO 2030agenda, as well as to the implementation of the collective defence and deterence posture, equitable burden-sharing and the trans-Atlantic security agenda. The virtual reunion offered the new US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J. Austin, to participate, for the first time, in a reunion held within allied framework.

During the talks held the first day, minister Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca expressed Romania's support for the continuation of the NATO 2030 process and emphasized our country's support with regard to ensuring defence expenditures in accordance with the Allied decisions and specific requirements. Also, the defence minister reiterated Romania's support for the further development of the adaptation and consolidation of the NATO's defence and deterrence posture in line with the medium and long-term requirements of the security environment.

Also, in a special session held with the participation of Finland, Sweden (NATO partner states) and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borell, the officials highlighted the common security threats and challenges in order to identify solutions for their efficient management, including as part of the NATO-EU cooperation development. In this context, the Romanian defence minister emphasized the fundamental role of the trans-Atlantic relation for the European defence and security and highlighted the importance of the NATO's Eastern Flank security matters for the Allies' priorities listed in their working agenda.

The Press Office