NATO SUMMIT
– Russia is solely responsible for the war in
Ukraine, which represents a blatant violation of international law and the UN
Charter, NATO Foreign Ministers said in Bucharest in a joint statement signed
at the end of the first day of the NATO Foreign Affairs summit. NATO officials
say the Russian aggression has disrupted global food supply chains and endangered
the most vulnerable countries and nations. Additionally, NATO Foreign Ministers
also spoke of a Russian crusade against Ukraine, including forced
displacement, torture and barbaric behavior towards women and children. NATO
officials have condemned all parties, including Belarus, that actively the
campaign against Ukraine. NATO is not part of the Ukrainian conflict, but we pledge to support Ukraine
for as long as it is necessary, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on
Tuesday in Bucharest in the opening of the Foreign Affairs NATO Summit in
Bucharest. NATO members must support Ukraine to help this country remain a
sovereign state, Jens Stoltenberg argued, adding that NATO will remain vigilant
and defend every inch of its territory. The NATO official also said NATO
members will supplement the assistance package for Ukraine, including
non-lethal support made up of fuel and generators that will help Ukrainians
cope with the aftermath of Russian missiles hitting key Ukrainian energy
infrastructure. Attending the summit, president Klaus Iohannis pointed out that
the Black Sea is a strategic objective for Euro-Atlantic security, and Member
States must carefully monitor developments in this region. The Romanian
president also said Romania remains a staunch supporter of open-doors policy
and hopes that Finland and Sweden would quickly join the Alliance. This is the
first such event Romania is hosting since it joined NATO and the first of its
kind held in a country on the Alliance’s eastern flank since the start of the
war in Ukraine. The summit comprises 3 working sessions, 2 of which will be
attended by the Allies together with Sweden and Finland. Taking part in the
third session will also be the foreign ministers of Bosnia – Herzegovina,
Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. The war in Ukraine and the provision of
long-term political and practical support from the Allies will be the main
topic of discussion. NATO’s secretary general Jens Stoltenberg arrived in
Bucharest on Monday, and had meetings with president Klaus Iohannis, Prime
Minister Nicolae Ciucă and Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu.
PARTNERSHIP
Ahead of US secretary of state Antony Blinken’s visit to Bucharest to take part
in the NATO summit, the US Department of State hailed the celebration of 25
years since the Strategic Partnership with Romania was signed. A US Department
of State news release mentions Bucharest’s contribution to NATO and
multinational operations, the fact that the country hosts several NATO and
American military structures, including the missile defense system in Deveselu.
On Tuesday, during his visit in Bucharest, Secretary of State Antony Blinken
met Romania’s Foreign Minister, Bogdan Aurescu. Talks focused on the
celebration of 25 years since the signing of the partnership, based on the
joint commitment to promoting and consolidating trans-Atlantic ties and
democratic resilience. Both parties pledged to further develop the partnership
at all levels. The Romanian Foreign Minister pointed out that Romania’s
Strategic Partnership with the United States represents a key pillar of
Romania’s foreign policy, also highlighting its importance in ensuring the
country’s security, all the more so amidst security challenges in the Black Sea
region. Moreover, Minister Aurescu reiterated the importance of including
Romania in the Visa Waiver program. Talks also tackled an increase in US
military presence in Romania, consolidating NATO’s posture in the Black Sea
region, Romania’s bid to join OECD and furthering joint projects in the field
of civilian nuclear power. Also on Tuesday, Antony Blinken met with president
Klaus Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă.
REFUGEES – The Border
Police Inspectorate announced on Tuesday that some 63 thousand people entered
Romania on Monday, of whom over 7,000 were Ukrainian nationals, accounting for
a 9% drop compared to the previous day. According to a press release published
on Tuesday, close to 3 million Ukrainian refugees have entered Romania starting
February 10, most of whom were en route to countries in Western Europe. Over 80
thousand Ukrainians have chosen to stay.
NATIONAL DAY – The Romanian Cultural
Institute organizes 50 events until December 10, to celebrate the National Day
of Romania in 31 cities abroad. According to the president of the Institute,
Liviu Jicman, the events held in emblematic locations in the respective
countries place the works of Romanian artists among the most important cultural
landmarks of today and contribute to raising awareness among foreign cultural
and arts communities and the general public with respect to the Romanian
culture. On December 1, the National Day of Romania, a parade
will be organized in Bucharest and another one in Alba Iulia. On Monday, the
Parliament celebrated 104 years since the Great Union in a special meeting. (AMP
& VP)