Defence Minister’s meeting with the US Ambassador to Bucharest

On Monday, September 18, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvãr, met with the US Ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec. The meeting agenda included talks on the impact of the Russian Federation's war of aggression in Ukraine on regional security, with an emphasis on the situation generated by the recent attacks on Ukrainian riverine ports, conducted in the proximity of Romania's borders.

Minister Tîlvãr expressed his concern about the increase of these attacks and specified that MoND collaborates with the central and local structures with competence in the field of civil emergencies and that "we were acting to more accurately monitor the situations occurred during the attacks and to minimize the risks in the areas closest to the Ukrainian port infrastructure that had recently been hit ".

At the same time, the Minister of National Defence specified that the military institution stays in permanent contact with the Allied structures, which are informed in real time about the situation generated by these attacks.

The Romanian official also pointed out the importance of augmenting NATO's Air Policing Missions, thanking for the US decision to deploy F-16 aircraft to Romania in the near future. At the same time, the minister emphasized the solid support provided by the USA in advancing the F-16 Pilot Training Center project in Romania, an important resource in the high-quality training of Romanian pilots, as well as of those from the Allied and partner states, including Ukraine.

"I appreciate the support provided by the United States of America in consolidating the Allied defence posture on the eastern flank and deterring any aggression against Romania’s and NATO’s territory. We continue to act by assuming our role responsibly in the Allied security architecture at the Black Sea, where we are a pillar of stability," the Minister of National Defence stated.

Ambassador Kavalec emphasized the US commitment to continue providing assistance to Romania in strengthening its defence capabilities and to contribute substantially to the consolidation of the Allied defence and deterrence posture on the eastern flank.

"The round of strategic dialogue of the High-Level Defence Group held last week with the United States, in Washington, was a propitious moment and a significant indicator of our close cooperation in the field of defence. We strongly condemn the unprovoked escalation of this war by Russia and remain closely committed to further develop dialogue and cooperation with Romania", Kathleen Kavalec said.

The Press Office