Defence Minister’s meeting with the Ambassador of Portugal to Romania

 

         On Wednesday, March 5, Minister of National Defence, Angel Tîlvăr, had an official meeting with the Ambassador of Portugal to Romania, His Excellency Paulo Cunha Alves, at the Ministry of National Defence headquarters. 

         During the talks, the officials addressed topics of common interest regarding bilateral defence cooperation, operational commitments under the aegis of the European Union and the increase of regional security within NATO.

         Minister of National Defence expressed Romania's appreciation for Portugal's contribution to the allied efforts to ensure security and stability in the Black Sea region. At the same time, the Romanian official welcomed the presence of Portuguese forces in NATO structures deployed on Romanian territory, especially to the South-East Multinational Brigade in Craiova, pointing out the importance of allied soldiers’ joint training, as an essential element for increasing interoperability and readiness level.

During the talks, Angel Tîlvăr and Paulo Cunha Alves emphasized the importance of continuing efforts within NATO to strengthen the Alliance's eastern flank, reaffirming the support for the 360-degree security approach, which aims to defend the territory of all allied states.

         When referring to the joint operational commitments undertaken under the aegis of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy, Minister of National Defence highlighted the good collaboration between the Romanian and Portuguese Armed Forces, especially during the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic/EUTM RCA. In this context, the Romanian official has highlighted the fact that our country holds the command of the EUTM RCA forces for the second consecutive year, starting October 7, 2023, and thanked the Portuguese contingent for the professionalism proven in fulfilling the mission's objectives.

         With regard to the bilateral defence cooperation, the minister expressed his openness to identify new joint projects and enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Both parties reiterated their commitment to continue efforts dedicated to strengthening relations between the two countries and increasing to European and Euro-Atlantic security.

The Press Office