The Acting President of Romania, Ilie Bolojan, had a telephone conversation on Monday with the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, Mark Rutte, on which occasion he thanked Romania for its contribution at the allied level, welcomed the increase in the country’s defense budget and reaffirmed the commitment of NATO and the United States to collective defense and Article 5, the Presidential Administration reports.

According to the cited source, during the discussion, President Ilie Bolojan conveyed that NATO remains the main guarantor of Romania’s security, and Article 5 is the one that most effectively deters threats and attacks against allies. Bolojan also emphasized the importance of the transatlantic relationship and the American presence in Europe, essential for the security of the continent.

„Romania continues to contribute to the stability and security of NATO’s Eastern Flank, together with its partners, and supports the consolidation of security in the Black Sea region. In this regard, our country allocates 2.5% of GDP for defense and is prepared to increase investments in this area,” the press release sent by the Presidential Administration states.

Referring to the situation in Ukraine, President Bolojan highlighted the need for a just and lasting peace, as well as the importance of maintaining support for this country.

The NATO Secretary General thanked Romania for its contribution at the allied level, as well as for the fact that it is a member state that acts responsibly, as an important factor of security and stability in the Black Sea region and on the Eastern Flank, adds the cited source.

Mark Rutte showed that these efforts are all the more relevant in the current security context and expressed NATO’s support for strengthening the allied presence in the area. The Secretary General reaffirmed NATO and the United States’ commitment to collective defense and Article 5, underlining the U.S. efforts for a lasting peace in Ukraine. In conclusion, Rutte welcomed the increase in Romania’s defense budget and stressed the need for other European allies to adopt a similar approach, the press release sent by the Presidential Administration also mentions.

AGERPRES