President Nicusor Dan: Romania’s Path to NATO—Built on the Desire to Be Part of a Community of Democracies

Romania’s path to NATO was built on the profound desire to be part of a democracy community, freedom and rule of law said on Sunday president Nicusor Dan in a message on the occasion of 77 years celebration since the signing of the Treaty in Washington, the founding document of the Alliance.'Today we celebrate NATO Day in Romania and also mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Alliance on April 4, 1949. The current international context reminds us, perhaps more clearly than ever, how precious and fragile peace is and how important NATO membership remains. For Romania, this day is not merely a formal anniversary, but a reaffirmation of a chosen destiny: that of a dedicated member state actively contributing to Euro-Atlantic security. Romania’s path to NATO was built on a deep desire to be part of a space of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. These are the values that underpin the way we build our defense. At the heart of this architecture lies Article 5 of the Washington Treaty—the certainty that Romania’s security is guaranteed by the full strength of the Alliance,” states Nicusor Dan, according to the Presidential Administration’s Facebook page. The president mentioned that ‘we owe a profound respect’ to the Romanian soldiers present in the NATO missions.‘Our thoughts go today to our military who died in the line of duty. We owe them a profound respect to the Romanian soldiers who served or serve under the flag of the Alliance in the operations theatres in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq or other NATO missions’ said Nicusor Dan.   In turn, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said that to Romania, NATO means security, stability and trust: "Today marks 22 years since Romania's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance, a moment that decisively strengthened our security and our Euro-Atlantic path. To Romania, NATO today means security, stability and trust. At the same time, belonging to the Alliance comes with responsibilities, which we constantly assume, through concrete contributions to collective security and through an active presence alongside our allies," Bolojan said in a message posted on Sunday on the Government's website.He added that in the current context "it is essential for NATO to remain unique and strong", adding that Romania will continue to strengthen its "role as a reliable partner on the Eastern flank"."In the current context, marked by multiple security challenges, it is essential that NATO remains united and strong. It is solidarity among its member states that makes the difference and guarantees our ability to respond effectively to any risks. Romania will continue to invest in defence, modernising its armed forces and strengthening its role as a reliable partner on the Eastern flank, actively contributing to Euro-Atlantic security. I want to thank all those who, through their work and dedication, strengthen Romania's role in NATO every day. Happy NATO Day !"Bolojan said.According to Law No. 390/2004, NATO Day is celebrated in Romania on the first Sunday in April. Romania deposited the instrument of ratification of the Washington Treaty with the U.S. Department of State on March 29, 2004, followed by a ceremony to raise the Romanian flag at NATO Headquarters during the ministerial meeting on April 2, 2004.