Minister of National Defence, Vasile Dincu, had a meeting with the US Ambassador to NATO, Julianne Smith, on Monday, 11 July, at the MoND Headquarters.

The talks focused on the security developments from the Black Sea region and the Ukraine war, the major allied decisions and the announcement made by the President of the USA, Joe Biden, at the Madrid NATO Summit which directly refers to Romania on the increase of the US forces in our country as well as on bilateral defence cooperation between Romania and USA.

Emphasizing the symbolic significance of this day, which marks 25 years since the signing of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and USA, minister Vasile Dincu pointed out that this partnership, together with the NATO and EU memberships, represent the triade of the security architecture of our country. The Romanian official appreciated the US long-term and solid commitment with a view of ensuring security in the Black Sea area, especially in this complicated period, at the same time highlighting the consolidated presence of the American soldiers in Romania.

During the talks, the two officials pointed out the fact the Madrid NATO Summit was a historical moment which ensured the necessary framework to make strategic decisions with regard to the long-term adaptation of the collective defence and deterrence posture.

In this context, minister Vasile Dincu saluted the decisions made at the Madrid NATO Summit with regard to the consolidation of the Allied Forward Presence on the Eastern Flank, including Romania. The official also reiterated the importance of the American President's announcement at Madrid NATO Summit with respect to the deployment of augmented American military troops to Romania, of a combat brigade level, by mentioning the US effort and contribution made so far in support to Romania's security and collective posture to the Black Sea.

Another topic of discussion was the endorsement of a new Strategic Concept of the North Atlantic Alliance, which includes the importance of the Black Sea region for the Alliance security and the support given to the Eastern partner states such as Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova.

With reference to the support given to Ukraine, the two officials appreciated that it is necessary to continue the efforts, both those referring to the support given in accordance with the security developments and to the refugees.

The Press Office