NATO remains the guarantor of our collective defense, and Romania's commitment to comply with its obligations within the alliance is unwavering, the country's acting president, Ilie Bologian, said today on the occasion of NATO Day in Romania and the 21st anniversary of the country's accession to the alliance, Agerpres and BTA reported.
"We are marking 21 years since Romania became part of the strongest military-political union in history. Joining NATO and integrating into the European Union were the main strategic goals that our country set for itself after the December 1989 Revolution, and their implementation marked with a positive sign the evolution of our society towards true democracy. In the current international context, more than ever, NATO membership represents both a guarantee of security and a solid foundation on which our country can continue to develop and establish itself as a pillar of regional stability and a responsible ally," Bologian's message states.
The interim president stressed that through the NATO structures that Romania has adopted, and through the participation of Romanian soldiers in the NATO Battle Group in Poland and in the missions for enhanced airspace protection in the Baltic states, the country plays an important role in strengthening the Allied deterrent and defensive position on the Eastern Flank.
"NATO remains the guarantor of our collective defense, and Romania's commitment to comply with its obligations within the alliance is unwavering. At the same time, we will contribute to strengthening European security together with the other EU member states. We will continue to support Ukraine with a view to achieving a just and lasting peace. Romania has fulfilled its NATO commitment and increased its defense budget to over 2 percent of GDP. We aim for a gradual increase over the next few years in a balanced budget environment and with the support of European instruments," added Bologian.
He noted that these funds will be used as a priority for the modernization and equipment of the Romanian army, increasing interoperability with allies, training military personnel and revitalizing the national defense industry. Bologian added that it is necessary to develop the transport infrastructure to ensure mobility.