The unitary approach of the Eastern Flank is the most effective way to defend every inch of NATO territory, and the presence of the U.S. military of the 101st Airborne Division in Romania represents a real proof of the U.S. commitment to the security of this flank of the North Atlantic Alliance, Prime minister Nicolae Ciuca said Saturday, at the southeastern Mihail Kogalniceanu Military Base at the ceremony of presenting the battle flag of the American unit additionally deployed in Romania (2nd Combat Team Brigade within the 101st U.S. Airborne Division), write Agerpres.

„The new realities in the Black Sea region and on the entire Eastern Flank caused by Russia’s aggression on Ukraine led to the adoption of a new strategic concept of the Alliance at the Madrid Summit, which recognized this region as being of strategic importance. This decision was supported with solid arguments, both by the President of Romania and by the President of the United States of America. The unitary approach of the Eastern Flank is the most effective way to defend every inch of NATO territory, and the Madrid Summit marked the birth of a new stage of deterrence and collective defense,” said Nicolae Ciuca.

The Prime minister stressed that 25 years since the signing of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Partnership, President Biden reiterated in Madrid the U.S. firm commitment to the security of the Black Sea region, announcing additional actions to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense. Ciuca added that these contributions are of „paramount importance”.

„President Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to Romania. This is real evidence of the US commitment to the security of NATO’s Eastern Flank,” the Prime minister pointed out.

The Gov’t’s head thanked the U.S. military deployed in Romania for their effort and contribution to the security of our country.

At the same time, the Prime minister highlighted the role and importance of the U.S. troops within the 101st Airborne Division present at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Base.

„The 101st Airborne Division, a renowned, elite unit, has the mission to strengthen NATO’s Eastern Flank. Dear soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division, thank you for being here, I am convinced that, together with the Romanian military and those of the allied forces deployed here, you will fulfill your mission. Your presence is very welcome. Together we are strong,” Ciuca said.

He recalled that for a better adaptation to the new security paradigm, the Romanian authorities together with the NATO allies are in an advanced phase with the implementation of the multinational combat group led by France, with the participation of the military from Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Prime minister also thanked all allies who contribute to the deterrence and defense missions on the Eastern Flank and in Romania.

In the same context, the commander of the 101st Airborne Division, Major General Joseph McGee, said that the mission of the U.S. division is to defend the Allies and defend the peace.

He noted that the founding members of the 101st Airborne Division „fought, sacrificed and died to ensure the peace that Europe has enjoyed since 1945.”

At the beginning of the mission it is important to mention that we are coming to southern Europe both to defend our allies, but also to defend the peace that the first members of the 101st Airborne Division helped establish almost eight decades ago. Our mission is clear, our cause is just, and we are all united in our collective decision, added Joseph McGee.

He appreciated the „warm welcome” made by Romania, showing that the professionalism and training of the Romanians is „impressive”.

We are only 198 miles away from the battle that resurge today in Kherson, in Ukraine, which means that our mission to Romania makes us the most advanced deployed force within the United States military forces. To be here, so close to that fight is exactly where the 101st Airborne Division was destined to be, McGee said.

Source: AGERPRES