President Klaus Iohannis to attend NATO Summit in Madrid Tuesday through Thursday

President Klaus Iohannis will participate Tuesday through Thursday in the meeting of the heads of state and government of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Madrid - Spain, featuring a substantial agenda, including three top-level meetings of the North Atlantic Council and activities with a symbolic and practical significance, such as the signing of the Letter of Commitment to NATO's Innovation Fund, a statement informs.President Iohannis will take part on Wednesday in a first formal meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of heads of state and government to discuss Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, its consequences and the continuation of assistance to Ukraine. The President of Ukraine will address the meeting via videoconference.Also on Wednesday, President Klaus Iohannis will attend a second formal meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of heads of state and government, that will see the participation of the leaders from Australia, Finland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sweden, Georgia and of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.On Thursday, the President of Romania will attend a third meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of heads of state and government dedicated to the challenges and threats in the Southern neighborhood, which will approach the progress made in the fight against terrorism, ways to ensure food security and the response to other challenges from the Southern neighborhood of the Alliance, as well as possibilities of allied support for the defense capabilities of the southern partners.At the Summit, President Klaus Iohannis will welcome the realistic reflection of the current security situation in the New Strategic Concept, starting from the recognition of Russia as the main threat to NATO, as well as the mention, for the first time, of the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security.During the discussions, the President of Romania will underscore the fundamental importance of the decisions regarding the long-term reinforcement of the allied deterrence and defense posture along the eastern flank, so as to respond to the current regional security situation.Also, the Romanian head of state will emphasize Romania's significant contribution to supporting Ukraine on a humanitarian level and for reducing food security risks, as well as the support provided by Romania to the most vulnerable partners, particularly those in the Eastern neighborhood, specifically the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. He will also highlight the need to strengthen partnerships, including with global partners with the same vision.President Klaus Iohannis will reiterate Romania's firm support for NATO's "Open Door" policy, including for Finland and Sweden joining the North Atlantic Alliance.In his addresses, the President of Romania will highlight the importance of strengthening resilience and the response to cyber and hybrid threats, as well as technological innovation, in order to adapt the Alliance to the challenges of the future.