Joint press conference

Thank you so much, President Klaus Iohannis.

It’s great to be back here in Bucharest, it’s great to be able to meet with you again and Romania is a very committed and staunch Ally which has contributed over many years to our collective defence and our shared security and I thank you for the strong and important Romanian commitments and contributions to NATO.

We have just had excellent discussions - on the security situation in the wider region. On our objectives for the Warsaw Summit in July. And on Romania’s strong commitment to our Alliance.

NATO has responded decisively to a changed and more challenging security environment.

We have increased our presence in the eastern part of our Alliance, including here in Romania. Romania hosts a new small headquarters, here in Bucharest, which I visited together with you last year.

And you have activated the Multinational Division South-East Headquarters, which is now being tested. And I’m looking forward to visiting these Headquarters later on this morning.Both Headquarters will boost our ability to plan and exercise, and to reinforce if needed.   

And we will do more.  

Not to threaten anyone but to protect our nations.

Because Russia has changed borders by force and continues to intimidate its neighbours. 

At the same time, we will keep channels of dialogue open with Russia. Especially in times of tension, transparency and predictability are important to reduce risks of miscalculations and accidents.

Romania also makes an important contribution to NATO’s Ballistic Missile Defence system, by hosting an Aegis Ashore site in Deveselu. 

This helps protect European Allies against missile threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area.

We will mark a new milestone today and I’m looking forward to take part in the ceremony later on today.

Romania also plays a constructive role in ensuring stability in the Black Sea region, which is important for our security.

Romania has made a major commitment– with the support of all political parties – to increase defence spending to 2% of GDP. And I welcome the increase in defence spending we have seen over the past years in Romania. That shows that you are following up on your commitments.

That is a very welcome step in the right direction. And I encourage you to continue on that road. Because the protection of our citizens is paramount.

We must have all the resources and capabilities to keep our citizens safe in a more dangerous world. 

Romania is also playing a key part in projecting stability beyond our borders. In Moldova, Georgia and in Ukraine.

You make a great contribution to our Trust Fund on Cyber Defence for Ukraine.

That shows real leadership. 

You have also shown continued commitment to our missions in Kosovo and in Afghanistan.

Our mission to train the Afghan forces remains challenging and it comes at a high cost.

I pay tribute to the two Romanian officers who were recently killed in Kandahar in the service of their duties. And I wish their wounded colleague a speedy recovery.  

So Mr President, Romania is a steadfast Ally.

And NATO has a solemn commitment to Romania’s security. 

Now and for the future.

Thank you.