The US and Nato-member Romania have signed a ten-year roadmap for defence cooperation that seeks to achieve common strategic goals.
The agreement was signed by the US Defense Secretary Dr Mark T Esper and Romanian Defense Minister Nicolae Ciuca.
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Particularly, the roadmap encompasses common interests, which include defence modernisation and ensuring security in the Black Sea region.
Esper said: “Our collective security and prosperity depend on all partner nations making the necessary investments for a more ready and capable alliance.”
The Defense Secretary also reiterated the US Government’s commitment to Nato and Article 5.
Article 5 ensures that if any Nato member is attacked, the alliance will consider the attack as an assault against all members and will undertake action as deemed fit.
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By GlobalDataThe move comes after Romania increased its defence spending in recent years to 2% of its gross domestic product. The south-eastern European country has also hosted several training exercises to enhance interoperability and strengthen its defences.
Ciuca said: “The US is our strongest ally. Romania’s recent National Defense Strategy 2020-2024 highlights both the importance and the priority of working together in securing US strategic flexibility in the Black Sea.”
He also added that the government is also modernising Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near the Black Sea.
Last month, Romania received the first batch of Patriot surface-to-air missiles from the US. The induction will help the country to bolster its air defences.
Patriot is a long-range air defence system designed to neutralise ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft.
Romania is the first nation on Nato’s eastern flank to field this missile system.
