The Romanian Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC

On Saturday, April 1, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvãr, laid a wreath, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington DC, the solemn event, which was also attended by the Romanian Ambassador to the USA, Andrei Muraru, being part of the program of his official visit paid to the United States of America, which has so far included meetings with the American counterpart Lloyd J. Austin III, senior officials of the National Security Council, members of Congress and representatives of the most relevant think-tanks in the field of security and defence.

The wreath-laying ceremony was a tribute to the American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy in difficult moments of history, but also in the current missions and operations conducted under the command of the North Atlantic Alliance.

The action from Arlington National Cemetery foreshadowed the marking in Romania, of NATO Day, on April 2. Minister Angel Tîlvãr recalled the supreme sacrifice made by the American and Romanian soldiers who contributed to the shaping of the strongest defensive alliance in history, the guarantor of Euro-Atlantic security and unity.

"Romania has been a member of the most successful military alliance in the world for 19 years, which has proven that it can offer our country the most solid security guarantees in history, especially in the context of an extremely volatile security environment. Perhaps even more relevant is the fact that Romania is not only a beneficiary of this security umbrella, but also an important contributor," Minister Angel Tîlvãr stated after the ceremony conducted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Romanian official expressed his gratitude for the women and men in uniform who honorably represent Romania in combat missions and operations in Lithuania, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo or in individual missions conducted in Africa or the Middle East.

Minister of National Defence also sent a message on the occasion of the celebration of NATO Day in Romania, which can be accessed at the following address: https://www.mapn.ro/cpresa/17868_mesajul-ministrului-apararii-nationale-cu-prilejul-sarbatoririi-zilei-nato-in-romania.

The Press Office