US Congress Delegation, in the 57th Air Base from Mihail Kogalniceanu

The Secretary of State for Defense Policy, Planning and International Relations, Simona Cojocaru, and the Chief of the Defense Staff, General Daniel Petrescu, met on Monday, March 21, at the 57th Air Base at Mihail Kogalniceanu, with a delegation of the US Congress, chaired by Stephen Lynch, President of the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Homeland Security, in the House of Representatives.

The discussions focused on the analysis of the regional security situation, as well as on the relations of politico-military cooperation, both from the perspective of the strategic partnership and in an allied format.

At the same time, the Romanian and American officials discussed the actions of consolidating the position of deterrence and defense on the eastern flank, respectively about the substantial commitment of the USA.

"Cohesion and allied solidarity exist, we see it here, on the Black Sea, in the base at Mihail Kogalniceanu! We clearly demonstrate NATO's firm commitment to defending all allies. The deployment of US forces strengthens our defense. We must continue to strengthen NATO's stature, and the creation of an allied fighting group in Romania is a major goal for us", said Secretary of State Simona Cojocaru.

Congressman Stephen Lynch expressed his appreciation for Romania's support for American troops and reiterated the strong commitment of the United States to defend the eastern flank, respectively Romania.

In the context of the current security situation, the Chief of Defense Staff told Congress that the decision by US authorities to supplement forces in Europe, especially on the eastern flank of the Alliance, is a strong message of collective defense and emphasizes the sustainability of the transatlantic link. among allies.

Translated by: Radu Matei