RSS
DefMin Fifor at the Pentagon discuss the new cooperation opportunities with the Romanian producers in the national defence industry
National Defence Minister Mihai Fifor reiterated to U.S. counterpart James Mattis Romania's strong commitment to substantially contribute to the security of the Alliance, during an official meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at the Pentagon, informs a press release of the National Defence Ministry (MApN).
Minister Fifor also expressed appreciation for the U.S. commitment in Europe, especially for their robust presence in Romania, as part of the European Reassurance/Deterrence Initiative, through the Atlantic Resolve operation, in view of increasing the interoperability of the Allied and partner forces, reads the release.
The two dignitaries brought up the stage of cooperation in the procurement domain, the Multirole Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme being a concrete example which distinctively grounds the Romanian - U.S. Strategic Partnership. The new cooperation opportunities with the Romanian producers in the national defence industry and the expansion of the U.S. investment in our country are objectives that both the Government and the Romanian Army pay attention to.
Another topic on the agenda was the 2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) budget allocation for the Romanian Armed Forces, James Mattis reiterating the U.S. Administration's appreciation towards this demarche of the authorities in our country.
Other aspects were tackled, such as the international security situation, the implementation method of the assurance and adaptation measures agreed upon at the NATO Summit in Wales and Warsaw, centred on the uniform approach of the entire eastern flank and of the enhanced presence, adapted on all its components - terrestrial, maritime and naval. The U.S. official specified that the Unites States' possible contribution with military staff to the NATO command centres on Romanian territory will be analysed.
The security environment in Afghanistan was another important topic on the agenda, the Defence Minister reminding that our country is one of the most important troop contributors and underscored that this mission still represents a priority for the Romanian Army. Moreover, the two officials reviewed the efforts of the international community to stabilise the security situation in Iraq and Syria, but also the efforts made to neutralise terrorist organizations, Romania being part of the anti-DAESH mission led by the United States.
At the end of the talks, Minister Mihai Fifor expressed hope that experts will develop all the aspects outlined at the meeting, and the one in October, this year, will chart the important topics on the bilateral agenda at the level of the defence policy departments.
Chief of Staff General Nicolae Ciuca, Secretary of State for Armaments, Florin Lazar Vladica and Romanian Ambassador to the United States George Cristian Maior also participated in the talks.