Defence Minister’s meeting with the Ambassador of the Italian Republic

On Thursday, January 30th, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, received the visit of the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Romania, H.S. Alfredo Durante Mangoni, at the MoND headquarters.

The meeting gave the two officials the opportunity to discuss topics of common interest regarding cooperation at bilateral level, as well as within NATO and EU. 

Minister of National Defence reviewed a number of relevant aspects regarding the developments of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. 

The Romanian official also thanked Italy for the support offered to the countries in NATO's eastern flank region, especially for the participation in the enhanced Air Policing Missions in Romania, including this year, as well as for its contribution to the Allied structures deployed on Romanian territory. Also, Minister Tîlvăr emphasized Romania's contribution to NATO Battle Group Bulgaria, with Italy as framework nation, restating once again our country's commitment to strengthening the Allied deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank. 

The two officials discussed the importance of continuing joint training exercises to help increase interoperability at Allied level, welcoming Italy's equipment and troop contribution to NATO STEADFAST DART 25 and SEA SHIELD 25 Exercises. 

Also, the Romanian Minister of Defence appreciated the cooperation as part the joint effort to undertake the European Union operational commitments in the Western Balkans - EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the NATO-led Kosovo Force Mission (KFOR). 

The two officials appreciated the importance of continuing the political-military dialogue, by updating the bilateral legal framework between Romania and Italy, by signing a defence cooperation treaty as well as the prospect of cooperation in the field of procurement.

The Press Office