Romania is a „highly valued” NATO ally that contributes to common security, including at this moment of crossroads, NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana said on Tuesday in an online address to the international conference „Romanian Military Thinking” taking place November 15 – 17 at the National Military Circle Club, according to Agerpres.

„The Black Sea region was the point of interest, the bastion and the launching pad for the Russian aggressions that built up until today’s war. Russia’s irresponsible and hostile behavior in the extended Black Sea region deeply affects the security of the Alliance,” the Deputy Secretary General pointed out, adding that „from frozen conflicts to the use of military force, from repeated restrictions on navigation freedom to attacks on cybersecurity, Russia has used all traditional and hybrid tools.” „It turned parts of the Black Sea into a war territory. So, what happens in the Black Sea does not stay in the Black Sea,” added Geoana.

NATO’s Deputy Secretary General thanked Romania for „making it possible for Ukrainian products to be exported through its ports and allowing shipments to cross its territory”.

„Russia’s partial withdrawal from Kherson demonstrates the incredible courage of the Ukrainian armed forces and shows us how important it is to continue supporting Ukraine. President Putin is reacting to defeats on the battlefield with more attacks on Ukrainian cities, on civilians, on civilian infrastructure and with dangerous rhetoric about nuclear forces. So we must stay the course for Ukraine, but for ourselves too. NATO will not be intimidated or deterred. We will support Ukraine’s right to self-defense as long as necessary. At the same time, we continue to strengthen our own defense, in order to keep the allied territory and our one billion citizens safe,” Mircea Geoana pointed out.

According to him, the strengthened allied presence in Romania sends a clear message – „We are here to defend Romania and every centimeter of allied soil”.

Agerpres