Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin and Romanian Minister of Defense Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca answer questions during a joint press conference at the Ministry of Defense, Bucharest, Romania, Oct. 20, 2021. ( (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)
By Gary Raynaldo DIPLOMATIC TIMES
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and Minister of National Defense Nicolae-Ionel Ciucă in Bucharest on Wednesday. Secretary of Defense Austin is traveling to Europe to reassure allies and partners of America’s commitment to their sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression. In both meetings, Secretary Austin reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Romania strategic partnership and NATO’s Eastern Flank and recognized Romania’s leadership in the Alliance on responsibility-sharing, according to the Pentagon.
“Romania sets an important example for Allied commitment on sharing responsibility, defense modernization, and contributing to NATO missions in Europe and beyond. When it comes to defense, Romania has made great strides. It has replaced its older military equipment. It has focused its efforts on NATO interoperability. Now, we also spent some time today discussing the importance of deepening cooperation among our Black Sea Allies and partners to deter and defend against Russian malign activities in the region. As I mentioned during my visit to Kyiv, the United States will continue to provide assistance to enhance the maritime capabilities of Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Georgia in support of these efforts.”
-U.S. Defense Secretary Austin
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with 1st Infantry Division soldiers training at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, Oct. 20, 2021. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)
“I think our posture in the region continues to present a credible threat against Russia and it enables NATO forces to operate more effectively should deterrence fail. And I think this is borne out of our commitment to sustaining a rotational U.S. force presence. We continue to have about 1,000 rotational forces in Romania, including heavy infantry, rotary assets, enablers, and as you heard me mention earlier, Europe’s first and only operational Aegis Ashore.”
-Defense Secretary Austin
Black Sea Is “Extremely Important Strategical Center of Gravity”: Romania
“The Black Sea is and will continue to be an extremely important strategical center of gravity for the European and Euro-Atlantic security. Consolidating the defense and deterrence posture, including through the consolidation of the presence of American forces on our territory, but also through developing our own relevant and interoperable capabilities, represents the solution for countering Russia’s assertiveness.”
-Romanian Minister of Defense Nicolae-Ionel Ciuca
