The President of the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca, stated on Thursday that at a short distance from Constanta, where the festivities organized by the Romanian Navy Day are taking place, „the sound of war can be heard”, stressing that our country advocated for the increase of the allied military presence on NATO’s eastern flank.

„We are passing through a turbulent period in the region. At a short distance from here, the sound of war can be heard, Ukraine is fighting against the aggressor state Russia, not only to defend its territory, but also in the name of democratic values and the rule of law. It must be stated that the illegal invasion of Ukrainian territory began in Crimea, and one of the first points conquered by Russia was the port of Sevastopol. This shows us how relevant the maritime routes are and how important their defense is. As a NATO member state, Romania advocated for the increase of the presence allied militaries on NATO’s eastern flank, understanding the specifics of the Black Sea region and its priority in the security architecture,” said Ciuca.

In this context, the President of the Senate recalled that the largest NATO military base in Europe is being built at Mihail Kogalniceanu.

„The recent NATO summit in Washington reconfirmed the strategic importance given by the North Atlantic Alliance to the Black Sea region, in which our country is a key actor. A short distance from where we are, in the town of Mihail Kogalniceanu, we are building together with our allies the largest NATO military base in Europe. Investing in our own defense and security is a matter of responsibility, first of all, towards Romania and our citizens. We must also continue to develop the defense industry through a long-term program long endowment of the Romanian naval forces, we are consolidating the defense of NATO’s eastern flank,” Ciuca added.

At the end, Nicolae Ciuca praised the courage of the sailors, stating that they are among the Romanians „who really have their feet on the ground”, although they are „always on the water”.

„Romania contributes to security in the region, because we want the Black Sea to be a space of democracy and freedom, of peace and not of war. I conclude by thanking, once again, all the military and civilian sailors, port workers and shipbuilders. Although you are always on the water, you are among the Romanians who really have their feet on the ground”, said the president of the Senate.

AGERPRES