DefMin: Our contribution to the development of the US Strategy for the Black Sea will be a priority

Our country's contribution to the development of the US Strategy for the Black Sea "will be a priority in the coming period," Minister of National Defence Angel Tilvar said on Friday at a meeting with US Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec.According to a MApN press release, the two officials discussed the main milestones of bilateral cooperation for 2024, on the political-military level, with a focus on the impact of the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine on the region.During the meeting, Minister Tilvar welcomed the steps taken by the Washington authorities to draw up the US strategy for the security and development of the Black Sea, which represents "a historic moment of great strategic importance.""Our contribution to the development of the US Strategy for the Black Sea will be a priority in the coming period. Romania has constantly, consistently and proactively supported the strengthening of the US engagement in the Black Sea, as part of a coordinated Euro-Atlantic effort and of partners sharing common positions to ensure the security, resilience and prosperity of the region," the minister was quoted in the release as saying.In the same context, the signing in Istanbul on Thursday of the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the Mine Countermeasures Naval Group in the Black Sea - an important initiative for the allied states and for strengthening NATO's deterrence and defence posture on the eastern flank - was also mentioned.During the meeting, the security situation in the Red Sea was also discussed, with both the Romanian and the American sides highlighting the fact that the Houthi attacks represent a significant threat, endangering the freedom of navigation on one of the most important maritime transport routes.During the meeting, Minister Tilvar stressed that in 2024 Romania will mark 20 years since it joined NATO and 75 years since the signing of the North Atlantic Alliance Treaty, events that will be highlighted at the Washington Summit, which will take place in this summer.The National Defence minister reiterated Romania's position regarding the firm condemnation of the war unleashed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, recalling the recent air strikes by the Russian armed forces on civilian targets and also on critical Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. In this context, Romania's efforts to maintain stability in the area were highlighted.Also, the MApN brings to mind, in January this year Romania celebrates 30 years of being part of the Partnership for Peace, an important initiative that has marked the Euro-Atlantic path of the country.