Nicusor Dan: Romania needs clear strategy for Black Sea, dynamic foreign, security policy

 In a very complicated international context, with permanent challenges in the area of security, defense and foreign policy, it is vital for Romania's interests to be supported both from the executive and non-governmental areas, President Nicusor Dan declared on Thursday in a message sent on the occasion of the New Strategy Center Gala and the anniversary of 10 years of activity.The message was presented by presidential advisor Luminita Odobescu.''In a very complicated international context, with permanent challenges in the area of security, defense and foreign policy, it is vital for Romania's interests to be supported from both the executive and non-governmental areas. From this perspective, the New Strategy Center is a strong voice in the international arena, a think tank that has built its credibility through constant effort and involvement, supporting the values of the Euro-Atlantic space, which define us as a nation", the head of state points out.According to him, the Black Sea region has a strategic relevance for Romania."Therefore, I welcome the permanent promotion, for a decade, of this issue, as well as of the Balkan area, achieved through the events organized by the New Strategy Center, through conferences and debates attended by thousands of Romanian and foreign experts and officials. In times characterized by a high degree of volatility and unpredictability, the New Strategy Center offers expertise, creates bridges for dialogue, generates ideas and proposals. At the Munich Security Conference, in Washington, London, Paris, Berlin, Oslo, Rome, Warsaw, Kiev, Ankara and in many other places, Romania's voice was also heard through the efforts of the New Strategy Center. Together with the institutions of the Romanian state, with our partners in NATO and the EU, we still have a lot to do to maintain attention on our region, to better anticipate risks and to increase resilience in the face of multiple threats, be they military or hybrid,'' says Nicusor Dan.He announces that this is the context in which the new National Defense Strategy will be developed, which he will present to Parliament this year, in accordance with constitutional attributions.At the same time, Romania needs a clear strategy for the Black Sea, a dynamic, active foreign and security policy with personality, he emphasizes."I am glad that in this process of strategic reflection we can count on the experience and international connections of the New Strategy Center. In the process of drafting documents, in consultations, in identifying ideas and solutions, the input of your think tank is relevant. In the 10 years of activity, characterized by seriousness and patriotism, you have had an important role in the development of strategic thinking in Romania. I congratulate you for the achievements of this decade, for the fact that you have become a landmark in the region when we talk about security, defense and international relations," the Romanian head of state said.