On Wednesday, April 17, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tilvar, met with his counterpart from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren.

This meeting coincided with the visit of the Dutch official to the 86th Air Base 'Locotenent aviator Gheorghe Mociornita', a moment marked by the arrival in Romania of three more aircraft designated for the European F-16 Training Center.

The Dutch minister arrived in Romania onboard one of the fighter aircraft, which had the Chief of the Royal Dutch Air Force Staff, Lieutenant General Andre Steur, at the helm. The Dutch aircraft was met in Romania's airspace by two Romanian Air Force F-16 aircraft, which had on board Minister Angel Tilvar and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad.

After landing, the two ministers had a dialogue focused on political-military and security issues, with an emphasis on the importance of the context in the Black Sea region.

The talks emphasized the close cooperation between the two ministries, especially with respect to the joint European F-16 Training Center project. The center is a unique capability on the European continent, which offers pilot training options for Romania, for allied countries in the region, as well as for Ukraine. Minister Tilvar welcomed the arrival of three more Dutch aircraft to Romania, which will be added to the eight already operated within the Center.

The two officials expressed their availability in identifying solutions to continue the activity of the European F-16 Training Center after 2025.

'We consider the European F-16 Training Center an important achievement and a nodal point for regional security that will allow us to achieve our allies' and partners' training standards. We will thus contribute to increasing cohesion, demonstrating unity and strengthening the defence and the ability to deter any aggression against the Euro-Atlantic space', Minister Tilvar said.

The Romanian Minister of Defence thanked for the involvement of the Netherlands in supporting the security and defence measures implemented in Romania.

At the end of the meeting, Angel Tilvar congratulated Kajsa Ollongren for her decision to come to Romania onboard one of the F-16 aircraft.

'For me, personally, flying aboard a fighter aircraft was a first-time experience, for which I am grateful to the flight instructor who was at the helm of the Romanian Air Force F-16 aircraft. Through our presence, as Ministers of Defence, onboard fighter aircraft, we experienced firsthandly the execution of such missions and honored the courage and determination of the pilots who ensure our freedom, peace and tranquility from the skies! , Minister Angel Tilvar said.

Today's event reconfirms the commitment of Romania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands to enhance cooperation and contribute to an improved security climate, at regional and global levels.

The Press Office