Bucharest, 6 May 2023 (TDI): A delegation from the United States European Command (USEUCOM) met with Romanian military leaders on May 3-4, 2023, to discuss security cooperation and support to allies and partners in the Black Sea region.
Moreover, the discussions centered on how to pave the way forward for continued military cooperation between the two countries.
The USEUCOM delegation was led by US Air Force Brig. Gen. Edward Vaughan, the deputy director for plans, strategy, and capabilities, while Romanian Brig. Gen. Mihail Iancu, the deputy head of the Department for defense policy, planning, and international relations, hosted the talks.
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During the meeting, Brig. Gen. Iancu emphasized the “excellent” strategic partnership between Romania and the US, stating that his country is “ready to extend our collaborative approach in order to ensure security in the Black Sea region.”
In response, Brig. Gen. Vaughan echoed the sentiment, acknowledging Romania’s role as a “strategic frontline Ally and a pillar of stability in the Black Sea region.” He further praised the country’s leadership within NATO and the region, highlighting the collective resolve to bolster security on NATO’s Eastern Flank.
For the information, Romania currently hosts both US and NATO forces as part of a broader effort to enhance the numbers and capabilities of rotational forces to deter and defend against Russian aggression.
In addition, the country will host one of several major training areas as part of the Defender exercise, a two-month-long exercise focused on the strategic deployment of US-based forces and interoperability with European allies and partners.
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On the second day of staff talks, the delegation moved to discussions with Moldovan counterparts on the topics of strategy, planning, and defense modernization.
The participants agreed to make this a recurring forum. Brig. Gen. Vaughan expressed his enthusiasm in participating in the inaugural meeting of the Moldova Security Assistance Roundtable, or M-SAR, led by Romania.
Notably, Romania and USEUCOM will co-host the Central Europe Chief of Defense Conference in Bucharest on June 9, 2023. The conference will bring together top military officials from several Central European countries to discuss defense cooperation and regional security.
Furthermore, this year also marks the 30-year anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Alabama National Guard and Romania.
The USEUCOM’s activities in Moldova focus on building institutional and defense capabilities necessary for territorial defense, as well as improving its capacity to participate in international peacekeeping operations.
In a nutshell, USEUCOM remains committed to defense cooperation with Romania and will continue to build readiness with NATO Allies and partners to ensure regional security and stability.
