Plenary SEDM Meeting in Tirana

 

Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, represented Romania, the country that holds the SEDM Chairmanship throughout 2023-2025, in the Plenary Meeting of the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial.

 

The meeting was an opportunity to debate the impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and its implications on regional security.

 

"Russia's aggressive actions in the Black Sea region force us to adopt a common perspective, which generates a firm response to the emerging threats to our borders," Minister Tîlvăr stated.

 

Minister of National Defence highlighted Romania's role as pillar of stability in the extended Black Sea region, an area that has become a vital point for the Euro-Atlantic security. 

 

"The need for coordination among allies has never been more urgent. Romania will continue to support Ukraine, offering help at multiple levels. The donation of a Patriot defence system is a concrete measure of this commitment", Angel Tîlvăr emphasized.

 

The Romanian Minister of Defence also presented the very good cooperation relation between the three Black Sea allies - Romania, Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey – as part of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group - MCM Black Sea, an initiative that significantly contributes to ensuring freedom of navigation. 

 

With reference to the Western Balkans region, the Romanian official showed that our country significantly contributed to the EU and NATO-led operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and provided support in maintaining a safe climate within the KFOR mission in Kosovo. Romania will take over the EUFOR Althea Command in 2025, which represents "a first which consolidates the commitments to regional security".

 

"Our efforts are still at the beginning, and the goal is to increase the effectiveness and relevance of joint projects. Only through a coherent approach can we ensure the security of our region and stability at the European Union and NATO borders ", Minister Angel Tîlvăr concluded.

The Press Office