The Chief of Defence Staff paid a visit to France

The Chief of the Defence Staff, General Daniel Petrescu, paid a visit to the French Republic over November 16-18, at the invitation of the Chief of the French Armed Forces, General Thierry Burkhard.

The officials talked about the progress made in order to reach the operational capacity of the French brigade deployed to our country, respectively about the allied, European and bilateral military cooperation projects.

General Daniel Petrescu thanked his counterpart for the determination of the French allies in ensuring collective defence. "France's taking-over of the host nation role for the NATO Battle Group, the deployment of French air and anti-aircraft capabilities to Romania, the French troop contribution to the multinational commands established in our country, the participation in joint exercises and missions are visible examples of what the soldiers of the two states have achieved together over the last years. Their collaboration is reflected in the consolidation of the allied deterrence and defence posture," the Chief of the Defence Staff stated.

An important moment of General Daniel Petrescu's agenda in France was the participation in the commemoration ceremony of the heroes buried in the Romanian military cemetery from Soultzmatt. Together with the French comrades and representatives of the local civil authorities, the Chief of Defence Staff laid wreaths at the monument dedicated to the Romanian prisoners detained by the German force in Alsace during the First World War.

The schedule of the Chief of Defence Staff also included a visit to the 152nd Infantry Regiment in Colmar, where General Daniel Petrescu was awarded the "National Order of the Legion of Honor in the rank of Commander" by the President of France, in recognition of the actions carried out for the benefit of the common security of the two countries. The distinction was handed over to him by General Thierry Burkhard.

The Press Office