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General John W. Nicholson, commander of NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, starts an official visit to Romania
Minister of National Defence Gabriel Les and Chief of General Staff, Nicolae Ciuca met on Thursday at the Ministry of Defence with General John W. Nicholson, commander of NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (RSM) on an official visit to Romania, the Minister reiterating Romanian authorities' commitment towards NATO effort to stabilize the area.
According to a press release of the National Defence Ministry (MApN), discussions between Minister Les and General Nicholson focused on issues related to the progress registered in achieving the objectives of the Resolute Support Mission, the Romanian armed forces participation in NATO effort to support and train Afghan defence and security forces, as well as recent developments in the international security environment.
"Minister Les reiterated Romanian authorities' commitment towards NATO's effort to stabilize Afghanistan in all three dimensions of the Alliance support manifestation - participation in RSM, ensuring the Afghan security forces sustainability and strengthening and deepening the sustainable Partnership between NATO and Afghanistan by political dialogue and practical cooperation," the release reads.
In his turn, the US official thanked for the Romanian armed forces' contribution to NATO's operational commitment in Afghanistan.
"In this context, he presented the current state and RSM evolution prospects, emphasizing the need for maintaining the allies' flexibility towards continuing the mission and the importance of efforts to support and strengthen the Afghan forces in order to develop capabilities needed in assuming responsibilities for Afghanistan's security, " reads the statement.
At the same time, the talks with the Chief of General Staff detailed Romania's initiatives and proposals on strengthening NATO presence on the Southeast wing of the Alliance, the stage of their implementation and the Romanian Armed Forces' participation in operations and missions under the NATO, the EU and the UN aegis.
The two generals also reviewed the security situation in Afghanistan and the prospects of the Resolute Support mission, as well as the future contribution to the Romanian Armed Forces.
"Romania has a substantial contribution in Afghanistan. I appreciate the Romanian military's professionalism and the key role Romania plays in the North-Atlantic Alliance," communicated General Nicholson.