The security situation in the region is deeply affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine, president Klaus Iohannis stated on Thursday, on the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary since the establishment of the „Stefan cel Mare” National Military College in Campulung Moldovenesc.

The message was presented by Ion Oprisor, presidential advisor with the Department of National Security.

„Over time, the destiny of the „Stefan cel Mare” National Military College has intertwined with that of Romania, being marked by the tumultuous and, most often, tragic events of the period 1940-1945, events that led to the successive relocation of the high school, at that time, to several garrisons in the country and, ultimately, to the institution’s dissolution, in May 1945,” said the head of state.

He pointed out that the re-establishment of the high school in September 1953 and the resumption of the name of the great voivode „Stefan cel Mare” in 1954 „constituted significant reparative acts for the recognition of the merits and importance of this military educational institution, as well as key moments in the restoration and, subsequently, in the development of the entire military education system.”

Thus, the head of state appreciated that currently the „Stefan cel Mare” National Military College is a modern pre-university educational institution, with a teaching staff dedicated to the training and education of the young generation, which has at its disposal a diversified material base adapted to the new educational requirements specific to the military field.

Iohannis also addressed the students of the College, emphasising that they are the ones to whom Romania will entrust in the future the mission of guaranteeing the sovereignty, independence and unity of the state, territorial integrity and constitutional democracy.

„It is not an easy responsibility, especially since the security situation in the region is currently deeply affected by the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine and by the risks and threats generated by it to the stability of our country, the region and the entire Euro-Atlantic area. I am convinced that you will prove worthy of the courage and determination shown by our predecessors. I urge you to learn as much as possible from the exemplary way in which war veterans and those in the theatres of operations behaved, as they are real role models to follow,” the head of state pointed out.

Klaus Iohannis recalled that he conferred the National Order „For Merit” in the rank of Knight to the Battle Flag of the „Stefan cel Mare” National Military College and also awarded the Order „For Merit for Education” in rank of Knight to five teaching staff.

AGERPRES