“It is a great joy for me and the Greek delegation to visit Bucharest.
Romania and Greece enjoy excellent and long-standing relations in all domains, which are based not only on the common experiences and ambitions of our peoples, but also on the firm and unequivocal commitment of our peoples to address the current and the future challenges in our region by joining our forces in NATO and the European Union.
Over the past years, these relations have intensified through our close cooperation in the European Union and NATO. Especially in the defence domain, Greece and Romania enjoy privileged and mutually beneficial relations, already consolidated through numerous bilateral and multinational activities and through our common participation in missions and operations which bond the military personnel of both countries in a fruitful and prolific way.
The message we convey, here in Romania, but also in Greece, to the European Union and NATO, is that together we can face a wide range of challenges and threats, that require both a comprehensive approach and understanding, as well as a solid political determination, in order to cope with them effectively.
Together we are building an arch of stability, stretching from Romania to the Balkans, namely Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, Cyprus, and to Israel and Egypt and all moderate countries of the Middle East, aiming to bring in our area peace, strong cooperation and stability, for the future of our people.
Throughout history Romania and Greece have proved that together they can change the world. Our nation will never forget that the Greek Revolution in 1821 started from here, Bucharest.
Towards this end – that’s only the beginning– we aspire to a new more inclusive and updated defence agreement, which will further deepen our cooperation. The meeting held today will offer in our defence industry a beneficial opportunity for further cooperation, by making good use of the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Industrial Development Programme as well.
We spend a lot of money on our defence and the Alliance. But, be sure – and we send this message to the European Union – that we are also ready to closely cooperate in the defence industry, hence giving jobs to our people and boosting economic growth.
A cooperation of this kind among our neighbouring countries can contribute to the fields of defence, security, research and development, and employment. We work for peace, and we will continue to do so. So, we ask all countries in the region to respect International Law, respect our Alliance and those signed and agreed upon.
I have informed the Minister of Defence of Romania about the incident with Turkey; in Turkey now, in a Turkish prison, there are two Greek hostages, one Officer and one NCO. I will ask for the support of the Romanian Minister of Defence, for the immediate liberation of these NATO, European Union and Greek Officers.
Today a new chapter has opened in the Romanian-Greek defence cooperation, and I want to thank again the Minister, the Generals, Admirals, Officers and partners of the Romanian Ministry of Defence, for this very warm welcome.
Thank you”.
