Stoltenberg: 'Romania can count on NATO'

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and 

Romanian defense minister Mircea Dusa, left, review a 

honour guard in Bucharest, Romania, 

July 2, 2015 (AP Photo)

NATO Secretary General visits Bucharest

   In a visit to Bucharest on Thursday (2 July 2015), NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked Romania for its considerable contributions to Allied security, NATO official site reports. 

   At a joint press conference with President Klaus Werner Iohannis, Stoltenberg described Romania as a "steadfast Ally," stressing that "NATO counts on Romania, and Romania can count on NATO."

   The Secretary General commended Romania's strong engagement in NATO-led missions and operations from Afghanistan to Kosovo. He also expressed appreciation for Romania's support for partners, including the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, for its contributions to stability in the Black Sea region, and for hosting an important part of NATO's missile defence system.

   Stoltenberg welcomed the increase in Romania's defence spending and the political commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence by 2017 as an example of how Allies can conduct a prudent fiscal policy and boost growth while raising investment in defence.

   The Secretary General and President Iohannis discussed challenges to Alliance security from the east and the south, and NATO's continued adaptation to face them. He stressed that "NATO does not seek confrontation with anyone, but we will do what is necessary to keep our countries safe." 

   Later in the day, the Secretary General and President Iohannis will visit for the first time the new NATO Force Integration Unit in Bucharest, one of six small headquarters being set up across the eastern part of the Alliance to facilitate planning, exercises, and potential reinforcements.

   Romania will also host NATO's new Multinational Divisional Headquarters South-East, which Stoltenberg called "another important contribution to our collective defence."

   The Secretary General also held talks with acting Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea, Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu, and Defence Minister Mircea Duşa.