On Thursday, 7th October, the Romanian-Portuguese Joint Committee Reunion was organized and dedicated to the discussions held between the departments for defence policy of both defence ministries of the two states. The Portuguese party was headed by Paulo Lourenco, General Director for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations, the reunion being also attended by the Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic to Romania, Teresa Macedo.

The talks were initiated by State Secretary for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, who saluted these bilateral consultations, emphasizing the fact that they represent a good opportunity to discuss concrete ways of enhancing Romanian-Portuguese defence cooperation, as well as current topics listed on NATO and EU's agendas.

The Romanian delegation congratulated its partner for Portugal's successful mandate at the Presidency of the EU Council in the first half of this year. It also expressed its appreciation for Portugal's commitment in the implementation of the deterrence and defence measures on the Eastern Allied Flank.

At the same time, the Romanian party emphasized the importance of continuation of the joint bilateral and multinational exercises, the endstate being an increased interoperability and confirmation of reciprocal commitment in support of the allied solidarity. The official also highlighted the excellent cooperation with regard to the The Romanian Armed Force's Multirole Aircraft major procurement program, a central element of the Romanian-Portuguese cooperation in the field of defence.

At the end of the reunion, both parties expressed their conviction on the need to maintain consistency of the defence bilateral cooperation, both at the level of the political-military dialogue and in practical terms.

The Press Office