In a message on the 20th anniversary of Romania’s NATO membership, national leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL) Nicolae Ciuca said that the time since joining the North Atlantic Alliance is the best period in the country’s history, and the country is now a reliable, serious and responsible ally.

„Today marks 20 years since Romania’s admission to NATO. These two decades have been the best period in our history, on all levels. The security offered by the largest defensive military alliance in history has provided us with the necessary framework for development. Whether we are talking about economic growth or strengthening the rule of law, these years have marked impressive developments under NATO’s security umbrella,” Ciuca wrote in a social media post.

He added that the application of NATO procedures, operational integration and direct participation in combat missions have greatly raised the level of training of the Romanian troops.

„As a general, I know very well how valuable the experience gained by our soldiers in war zones and joint exercises is. The application of NATO procedures, operational integration and direct participation in combat missions have greatly raised the level of training of the Romanian Army – an institution that I had the honour to lead as chief of defence and which today keeps us safe.”

Ciuca added that Romania, as a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, has benefits and rights, but also knows its obligations and responsibilities.

„Over the past 20 years, Romania has shown that it is a reliable, serious and responsible ally. As a member of the North Atlantic Alliance, we have benefits and rights, but we also know our obligations and responsibilities well. In a troubled period, marked by the start of Russia’s war of conquest against Ukraine, we understand together, as a nation, how important Romania’s membership in a Western security structure is.”

AGERPRES