VIDEO/PHOTO GALLERY | President Iohannis, on Romania’s Navy Day: ‘We must do everything we can to build a better Romania together’

Navy Day 2018, Constanta

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis and the Minister of Defense, Mihai Fifor, are attending the celebration of Navy Day in Constanta, Romania’s biggest port.

“We are in a region not only of historic, but of strategic importance to us, especially because it is volatile. The Naval Forces have a very important role in ensuring the sovereignty and security of the Romanian state. In fact, developments in this region have been on the agenda of the NATO summit in Brussels last month,” said the Romanian president during his speech.

‘We must do everything we can to build a better Romania together’

“For me, the meeting with you here in Constanta on this day, when we celebrate the Romanian Navy and the Assumption of Our Lady has a special meaning (…),” the Romanian head of state added. Events like this today show us the power of the values ​​and symbols that unite us. What could be a better message than this on the day of the year when we celebrate the Centenary of Romania. The 100th anniversary of the realization of the great ideal of national unity must represent for us all a moment of reflection so that those who think and feel Romanian can do everything we can to build a better Romania together, as we all want. I believe that this is precisely the spirit in which we have to celebrate the Centenary Year, “said Iohannis at the Romanian Navy’s celebrations.

‘The navy is a big family and the best ambassadors of our country’

“Dear sailors, this celebration is dedicated to you in the first place.” Mariners, regardless of their country of origin, are a big family where everyone helps each other. Regardless of whether you serve in the Military or the Civil Navy, you are some of the best ambassadors of our country, promoters of the values ​​that unite us and define us as a nation. I congratulate you and wish you much success and health, and may the Virgin Mary, the patron of the Romanian Navy, protect you wherever you are!” Iohannis added.

“We need to be realistic and understand today’s global context,” the Romanian president added. “We are witnessing the formation of a new geostrategic landscape, whose evolution is difficult to predict or anticipate. Romania remains an oasis of stability in the area and a regional security provider. There are real benefits with this status, and it is fundamental that we have the capacity and the wisdom to use our strengths to strengthen our position as an important NATO member and a credible strategic partner of the United States. We must not forget that the Black Sea continues to be an important bridge between Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, with the possibility of capitalizing the Danube as a natural transit corridor between Central Europe, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Romania cannot be a relevant regional actor and a strong state without a strong army. An army that includes the Naval Forces equipped with modern, well-trained and trained military techniques capable of successfully meeting any challenges, “the Romanian head of state added.

Fifor: Romanian armed forces have crucial responsibilities in defending eastern flank

In his speech, the Minister of Defense Mihai Fifor stressed the role of the Romanian armed forces in defending the eastern flank of NATO and the EU.

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The minister also said that 2018 – the year of the Centenary – will be a landmark year for the Romanian Navy due to the acquisitions and the modernisation activities planned. The result will be the strengthening of the immediate reaction capabilities of the naval forces and the strengthening of Romania’s position at the Black Sea.

Moreover, the minister stressed the importance of the Black Sea as a site where numerous military exercises and missions are carried out in collaboration with NATO partners.