The international security environment, bilateral defence and military co-operation, along with prospects for NATO-Israel cooperation, were among the subjects of a meeting of Romania’s Defence Minister Angel Tilvar and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in Tel Aviv on Thursday.

According to the Romanian Defence Ministry, Tilvar was accompanied by Romania’s military attaché to Israel Lucian Gurica.

The meeting, which is the third of the two defence ministers, took place as part of a visit to Israel of a government delegation led by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

Tilvar mentioned the security situation in the Black Sea region amidst the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine, talking about Romania’s role as a security provider in the region and its contribution to the implementation of deterrence and defence measures in the Black Sea region.

He also reportedly highlighted the traditional ties between the two nations.

„Among the Israeli society there is an important community with historical roots and traditional ties to Romania, a community that appreciates and promotes Romanian values, being a true bridge between our nations,” Tilvar is quoted as saying in a press release.

He commended the level of military and defence co-operation between the two countries. „We express our willingness to continue bilateral co-operation, including on this level of acquisitions of modern defence capabilities for the Romanian armed forces, to the benefit of both countries.”

He also pointed to Romania’s readiness to continue its political and military dialogue within bilateral co-operation formats, including at the level of experts, in order to discuss ongoing projects and identify future projects.

AGERPRES