Chairman of the NATO Military Committee visits Romania

The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Canadian General Ray Henault, is officially welcomed in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on 04 October 2007, by the Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Gheorghe Marin.

During his official visit to Romania, 03 – 06 October, General Ray Henault, Chairman of the Military Committee, met with President Traian Basescu, as well as other senior Government and Defence officials to discuss defence reforms and how Romania is working to enhance its contribution to NATO operations.

“For a relatively new member of NATO, Romania has made significant progress in terms of defence reforms and modernization,” said Gen Henault.  “By following through with the on-going transformation of its military, and with adequate funding, the Romanian military can build on their initial progress and further enhance their overall effectiveness.” 

The Chairman was hosted by the Chief of the Romanian General Staff, Admiral Gheorghe Marin, who provided a series of in-depth briefings that outlined Romanian defence priorities and regional engagement.  These briefings shaped the discussions that followed with the Minster of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adrian-Mihai Cioroianu and the Minister of Defence, Mr. Teodor Melescanu, both of whom re-affirmed their country’s commitment to the Alliance and to enhancing their contribution to operations.

Throughout the visit Gen Henault passed on the Alliance’s gratitude for troop contributions to NATO operations.  “The Alliance is grateful for Romania’s support to our operations, especially your increased contribution to our most important mission in Afghanistan,” added Gen Henault. “NATO also appreciates how Romania remains a positive and moderating factor in the region, both in terms of the Partnership for Peace support, through the training facility in Brasov, and the key role Romania is playing in the Black Sea region.  These positive attributes will be further highlighted next year when Romania hosts the NATO Summit from 02-04 April 2008.”