The Romanian Armed Forces need not only investment in equipping with state-of-the-art technology, but also generations of young soldiers that are as well-prepared and motivated as possible for the challenges of the future security environment, Romania’s Defence Minister Angel Tilvar said on Friday.

„Eighty years ago, on October 25, 1944, the Romanian Army liberated the city of Carei, the last large settlement in Northern Transylvania under foreign occupation. That day was to become the Romanian Armed Forces Day, in which we honour one of the fundamental institutions of our nation. Through its profound symbolism, the day reminds us that Romanians have won and defended their freedom at the cost of great sacrifices. Therefore, first of all, we are paying tribute to all those who, on the battlefields, put the motherland before their own lives, so that we, those who followed them, can live in peace in a free, sovereign, proud and respected country,” Tilvar said on Romanian Armed Forces Day.

He conveyed „a good thought of deep respect” to the war veterans, WWII survivors, who are „examples of courage and authentic patriotism.”

„Our gratitude goes equally to the heroes of the war zones, who paid the ultimate price to serve their country, to those wounded in combat and to their families. I am greeting with special consideration all those who are currently serving their country on foreign missions or on the national soil, as well as those in reserve or retired. Their missions, executed to impeccable standards, are the guarantee that, even in the current security environment with multiple challenges, Romania is defended and protected and that we, Romanians, can live our lives and raise our children in peace and normalcy.”

According to Tilvar, since 2017, the Romanian Defence Ministry has been running on defence spending of at least 2% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, the largest and most ambitious programme of defence acquisitions that included modern technology in the history of the country’s armed forces.

„That allows us to make important investment in modernising our combat equipment, but also infrastructure. But no equipment, no matter how sophisticated, can perform without highly-performing humans. The Romanian Armed Forces need not only investment in acquiring state-of-the-art technology, but also generations of young soldiers who are as well prepared and motivated as possible for the challenges of the future security environment.”

The minister added that utmost priority is given to measures to increase the level of satisfaction of the army personnel.

„We therefore are attaching utmost priority to identifying measures through which we can increase the degree of motivation and increase the level of satisfaction of the Romanian Army personnel, whether we are talking about the financial part, or the equipment and work conditions.”

During a ceremony on Friday at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Carol I Park, military students took the oath of allegiance, a tradition on the Romanian Army Day.

„It is a great joy to welcome the 370 first-year students from the Defence Technology Academy of the National Defence University and the Military Medicine Institute among the country’s soldiers,” Tilvar said.

„By honouring the Army on October 25, we honour Romania. Let us convey our gratitude, on this important day, to all those who have bound their destiny through the military oath to the defence of our country, wishing them health and the strength to overcome all the challenges they may encounter in fulfilling the missions entrusted to them. I am also extending thanks and appreciation to the families of our soldiers, who constantly support them in their efforts. Happy Romanian Armed Forces Day!” Tilvar concluded.

AGERPRES