To Romania, its commitment to allocating over 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for defence spending remains essential, with the funds steered toward acquisitions and infrastructure modernisation in order to face the current risks and challenges, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Wednesday.
Ciolacu, along with Romania’s interim President Ilie Bolojan and Defence Minister Angel Tilvar, attended a military and religious ceremony of laying wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to mark April 23, Romania’s Army Day.
„I am glad to be here on the day of a great feast of Orthodoxy, that of the Holy Great Martyr George, to celebrate the Army of Romania. It is a moment of deep gratitude and pride, in which we reaffirm our commitment to those who, day after day, dedicate their lives to the defence of our country. I particularly appreciate the way in which you carry out your missions and represent the country in the numerous international activities, in NATO and European Union operations in the Western Balkans and in Africa. You are truly ambassadors of Romania, especially in these complicated times,” said Ciolacu.
The global security context is marked by broad conflicts and hybrid threats, and international security is a central concern to all European nations, he said.
„Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues to influence the stability of the Black Sea region, a strategic point between Europe, Asia and the Middle East. These challenges require a unitary and coordinated response, and Romania plays an essential role in strengthening regional stability.”
The prime minister reaffirmed Romania’s firm commitment to supporting Ukraine, saying that the country „will not send any military to the front in Ukraine.”
„Romania maintains its firm commitment to supporting Ukraine, considering not only humanitarian solidarity, but also strategic security interests. But I want to reaffirm very clearly: Romania will not send any military to the front in Ukraine!”
Ciolacu added that the Romanian authorities are obliged to continue and intensify their efforts to face the current risks and challenges.
„That is why the commitment to allocating over 2% of the Gross Domestic Product for defence spending remains essential, with the funds steered toward acquisitions and infrastructure modernisation. Increasing the financial allocations for the Romanian defence industry means jobs, technological development and a future in which our army’s equipment will be produced in our country.”
The prime minister expressed gratitude to the Romanian military for the devotion with which they carry out their missions.
„We are grateful to you for your devotion, for the sleepless nights on missions, for every day in which you put the security of the country above your own life. You are the foundation of our defence force, the symbol of sacrifice and loyalty to Romania. In front of you, not only as a prime minister, but also as a Romanian, I feel both respect and deep admiration. When I look at you, I don’t just see uniforms, but I see sons and daughters, parents and friends who pour all their soul into what they do.”
Ciolacu also voiced conviction that, like the heroes who sacrificed themselves for Romania to be a nation and independent, today’s soldiers will carry on their effort to keep Romania strong, united and respected.
„Our thoughts today also turn to those who, over the generations, have marked, through their courage and dedication, the essential moments in our history. They are the well-known heroes, but especially the anonymous ones, whose sacrifice was the basis for the construction of Greater Romania. Thanks to them, we are today an independent and sovereign nation. They will always be in our hearts and prayers. I am convinced that all those who wear the military uniform today will carry on the effort of these heroes to keep Romania strong, united and respected. I wish you good health and success! And to continue to make us as proud of you!”.
AGERPRES
