Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu met with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu met with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III

Monday, 04 December 2023, Source: GOV.ro

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu: We need enhanced security cooperation with the United States, but also a strong economic commitment

During his working visit to the United States of America, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu met today, in Washington, with the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III.

The two officials emphasized the privileged relationship between Romania and the United States, highlighted by a Strategic Partnership of over two decades and strengthened by good collaboration in all areas of common interest, with an emphasis on the contribution to regional security in the Black Sea area. In this context, the U.S. Secretary of Defense praised the efforts made by our country and highlighted Romania’s leadership capacity demonstrated in the establishment of F-16 Training Center at the Fetești Air Base.

On this occasion, the most relevant developments from the point of view of defense were reviewed, both in bilateral relations and within the North Atlantic Alliance, as a basis for deepening and expanding cooperation in this sector, including with economic results that would bring security benefits.

“We need enhanced security cooperation with the United States, but also a strong economic commitment. A developed economy is essential for a strong national security. It is important that American companies are actively involved in evaluating and developing the capabilities of the national industry, through joint investments in the defense industry, including in terms of ammunition manufacturing, as well as technological transfers and the specialization of the local workforce,” stated the Head of the Romanian Government.

At the same time, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu pointed out Romania’s interest in a full military coordination with the United States and emphasized that, in view of the North Atlantic Alliance Summit that will take place next year in Washington, Romania will maintain its commitments to allocate 2.5% of GDP for Defense and will continue to plead for an increased profile of the Black Sea on NATO’s agenda.

For his part, the U.S Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, highlighted the excellent collaboration between the United States and Romania, as strategic partners and allies, noted the leading role of our country in efforts to stabilize the regional situation and appreciated Romania’s significant progress in the field of defense, from the modernization of military equipment and infrastructure to the cyber defense consolidation.

Also, both interlocutors emphasized the need to make joint efforts to ensure the stability of the Republic of Moldova, especially in the context of the hybrid attacks coming from the Russian Federation.

Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu was accompanied to the meeting in Washington by the Minister of Defense, Angel Tîlvăr,, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, and the Minister of Economy, Radu Oprea.

This is the second day of the Prime Minister’s visit to the USA together with a government delegation.