US Secretary of Defence: Romania gives an important example as a committeed ally

Romania gives an important example as a committed ally, which is that of sharing responsibility, of modernization of the Defence area and through its contributions to the NATO mission in Europe and the World, the US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd J. Austin III, told a press conference held together with his Romanian counterpart, Nicolae Ciuca.Moreover, the US high official paid homage to the Romanian soldiers who participated in missions in Afghanistan alongside the US troops.He personally thanked the Romanian Minister of Defence for the missions of the Romanian troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, saying that they were a model of altruist service. Also, in his capacity as a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, Lloyd J. Austin III said he was grateful for what the Romanian military did and that his thoughts were with those who died in mission and with their families.He also appreciated that, in terms of Defence, Romania has made important steps, like replacing its old military equipment and focusing its efforts on the NATO interoperability, strengthening its defence institutions, military infrastructure, strengthening cyber security and cooperation in the intelligence service.He also spoke about cyber defence, recognizing Romania's role as a leader in its region in terms of the security of its critical infrastructure against the malign players, especially the law regarding the 5G, which does not only protect Romania, but it also strengthens the collective defence of all.In his turn, the Romanian interim Minister of Defence, Nicolae Ciuca, said that the mutual trust and respect between the two countries' troops has increased and strengthened during the 19 years of common actions in Afghanistan, using the occasion to thank the Romanian and US troops for the manner in which they accomplished their missions in this theatre of operations.He also paid homage, in his turn, to all those who lost their lives in Afghanistan and said he was grateful to their families.The Romanian official also mentioned that he discussed with his American counterpart about strengthening cooperation in the Black Sea, in the land, sea and air fields, continuing the rotation of the US troops in the region in deterring and defending the Eastern Flank. He reiterated that the Black Sea was and it will continue to be a key player when it comes to the European and Euroatlantic security.Strengthening the deterrence and defence posture, including by strengthening the United States' armed forces presence on the Romanian territory, as well as through developing Romania's own relevant and interoperable capabilities represents a solution to counter servitude in relation to the Russian Federation, maintained Nicolae Ciuca.Lloyd J. Austin III was also received by President Klaus Iohannis at the Cotroceni Palace and he is also set to pay a visit to the Mihail Kogalniceanu military base.The US high official's visit to Romania is part of a larger tour that includes Georgia and Ukraine, before he will participate in the NATO meeting in Brussels, to start on Thursday.  (Photo: https://www.mapn.ro/fotodb/20211020/aam)