Defence Minister’s meeting with the Secretary of State for Defence of Great Britain

As part of the official visit of the Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, to London, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, had a meeting with the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, John Healey, on Wednesday, November 13^th.

The talks agenda focused on ways and perspectives to enhance Romanian-British dialogue and cooperation, as a fundamental pillar of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United Kingdom. Also, the officials addressed topics related to the European security, the security situation in the Black Sea region and cooperation within allied framework, an emphasis being placed on the strengthening of the defence and deterrence posture on the Eastern flank of the Alliance.

In this context, the excellent level of collaborative relations between the two states was appreciated and emphasized through the activities conducted over the last years, such as increasing interoperability, training the armed forces, modernizing Romania's defence capabilities and ensuring a high level of security at the Black Sea.

"Dialogue and cooperation with London in the field of defence and security is a priority for Bucharest. We welcome the British goals of enhancing relations in the field of security and defence", said the Minister of National Defence.

Regarding the strengthening of regional stability, Romania, in partnership with the United Kingdom, continue to coordinate the support provided to Ukraine. The progressed made with regard to the Regional Maritime Training Center, a structure established under the aegis of the Maritime Capability Coalition within the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, were welcomed. The excellent cooperation within Operation INTERFLEX, during which the Ukrainian soldiers are trained on Great Britain’s territory, was also appreciated.

Minister of National Defence also pointed out the efforts made by the United Kingdom to protect Romania and NATO's airspace, through the constant deployment of Royal Air Force detachments within the 57^th Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base.

The Press Office