Defence Cooperation Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Romania

On Wednesday, November 13th, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, and the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, John Healey, signed a defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the long-term partnership between Romania and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and meeting the current security challenges. The event took place in a context that emphasizes the common Euro-Atlantic values ​​of the two nations, as well as the firm commitment to strengthening collective security.

"It is a great honor for me to sign, on behalf of the Government of Romania, this historic agreement. It is the first document we sign after the renewal of the Joint Declaration on the 2023 Strategic Partnership, which emphasizes both the commitment of both parties to Euro-Atlantic values, as well as the desire to respond together to the emerging security challenges", Minister Tîlvăr said.

The agreement signed today consolidates and enhances the existing good relations in the field of defence in order to jointly address current strategic issues with mutual benefits for the two armed forces. It will approach areas such as: logistics and defence support, technology, acquisition and capability development, resource planning, communications and IT, countering hybrid threats, exercises, under UN-led international operations, arms control, military training and education.

"Cooperation between the Romanian and British armed forces is one of tradition. The British are among our most trusted and appreciated partners, who have always been by Romania's side. A concrete example is the constant participation of Great Britain in Air Policing Missions and in the allied command and control structures established on the national territory. This solid partnership contributes to the defence of the eastern flank in the context of Russian Federation’s war of aggression in Ukraine, at our border", Minister Tîlvăr emphasized.

The agreement will also enable the consolidation of new projects, such as that of the Regional Maritime Training Center in Romania, intended for the training of the Ukrainian military personnel and approved by decision of the Romanian Parliament. The center is a joint effort of the UK, Romania and other strategic allies, which aims to provide essential training for the Ukrainian forces in the maritime field.

In conclusion, Minister Tîlvăr emphasized Romania's commitment to speed up the ratification of the agreement, with the view to allowing its coming into effect as soon as possible.

"Our goal is clear: to strengthen this strategic partnership, enhance our practical collaboration for the benefit of both nations and to contribute to a stronger and more united Alliance", Minister Tîlvăr concluded.

The Press Office