UK "will continue to increase its military support for Romania"

The United Kingdom will continue to increase its military presence and support for Romania as an allied state, the new British and Northern Irish Ambassador to Bucharest, Giles Portman, said today. At his first press conference, at which he also spoke in Romanian, he announced that the Royal Air Force will return to Romania this year for an air policing mission.

Reporter: The new ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Giles Portman, mentioned that his priorities include: defence and security. He said that the political relationship between the UK and Romania is very strong and mentioned the new strategic partnership between the two recently signed. "Romania and the UK", he added, "will work together, particularly in three areas: defence and security, as NATO allies, in trade and prosperity and the fight against organised crime".

Giles Portman: Firstly, defence and security, as NATO allies. We will continue to increase UK support for Romania on the ground. Together we will also continue to offer strong support, moral and practical support to the brave people of Ukraine. I know it is not easy, but I am sure that this support will continue. Also, I have to say that I am very grateful for all that Romania has done in this regard and for all that Romania is doing.

Reporter: At a press conference held in Bucharest, the new British ambassador, Giles Portman, said that there is a very close human bond between Romania and the UK. He was referring to the more than one million Romanians living in the Kingdom, but also to King Charles' love for Romania.

Translated by: Radu Matei