The contribution of the United States of America is vital for maintaining peace and security in the Black Sea region, National Defense Minister Angel Tilvar said on Thursday in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart, Lloyd J. Austin III.

According to an MApN press release, the talks focused on the security situation generated by the Russian Federation’s war of aggression in Ukraine, cooperation between Romania and the United States under the aegis of the Strategic Partnership, the status of the Romanian Army’s endowment programs and modernisation needs.

The Romanian minister underlined Romania’s firm commitment to support Ukraine’s defense efforts.

„Romania continues in solidarity its efforts to support Ukraine and to back the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the face of indiscriminate attacks launched by the Russian Federation on the population and the critical infrastructure. Ukraine can rely on the allied unity and cohesion,” said Angel Tilvar.

Ways to strengthen and deepen the security and defence relations between Romania and the United States to respond to current challenges were addressed by the two officials.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III expressed his appreciation for the way in which Romania has consolidated its position as a pillar of stability on NATO’s Eastern flank and thanked for the support given to the US forces deployed in our country.

In his turn, Minister Tilvar thanked the US for its significant contribution in ensuring the security of Romania and NATO’s Eastern Flank, emphasizing the strategic importance of the US presence in Romania.

„The United States’ contribution is vital for maintaining peace and security in the entire region,” the Romanian official said.

During the discussion, the two officials also reviewed the status of the major endowment programs carried out by the Ministry of National Defense in collaboration with the US partner.

In the end, both sides reconfirmed their joint commitment to strengthening the deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance.

AGERPRES