Press statement

Prime Minister Ciolacu, dear Marcel,

It is great to welcome you here at NATO Headquarters.

For more than two decades now, Romania has been a faithful and committed Ally to the Alliance. You invest more than 2% - I believe it is now getting towards 2,5% - of your GDP on defence. You host one of NATO’s multinational battlegroups. And in addition, your soldiers make a vital contribution to NATO missions particularly in Kosovo but also in Iraq and other places.

So, Romania is not only strenghening security on NATO’s Eastern Flank, but also far beyond.

Today, we discussed the importance of providing continuous support to Ukraine. Romania has been a firm friend of Ukraine, providing much needed military aid, including a Patriot system that supports critical air defence. You have also signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine, underlying the steadfast nature of your support.

At NATO, we are working at pace to deliver on the commitements made at the Washington Summit.

And support to Ukraine is as important as ever. Not least as we see the dangerous expansion of the war, with North Korean troops fighting alonside Russia against Ukraine. This comes on top of the supply of ammunition that North Korea provides, the drones from Iran and the dual-use good supplied by China. All of this fuels Russia’s war machine.

We see how this war illustrates how our security is truly global.

In addition, Russia's war has underscored a need for robust air defences and these remain a priority. So today we also spoke about ways in which Allies are working together to keep Romania's airspace safe. Repeated incursions of Russian drones and missiles into NATO airspace are reckless, are dangerous, and are unacceptable. NATO has already reinforced its air defences on its Eastern Flank. And Allies as we speak, are acquiring hundreds of fifth generation fighter jets.

I can tell you, Prime Minister, NATO takes security in the Black Sea region very seriously. We stand ready to provide and to protect and defend every Ally. Again, Marcel, thank you very much for visiting.