Bucharest has been a venue for many flagship events. Against this backdrop, and taking into account the concrete set of deliverables at hand, we hope that NATO’s Summit in Bucharest will provide a special opportunity to broaden the vision for a 21st Century NATO, for a future of security and prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Along with all Allies, we have a high stake in the success of the Summit, in light of NATO’s major responsibilities and objectives. A top-level meeting devoted to enlargement and to the transformation of NATO carries a symbolic synchronicity with our geographical position.
Bucharest in many ways epitomizes Romania’s evolution and future. The city gathers attractive and valuable monuments, not to speak about its inhabitants’ warmth and hospitality. At the same time, it is rapidly evolving into a modern centre for economic and cultural activities, in line with present time dynamics and challenges.
Romania’s strategic location as a frontline of the Euro-Atlantic community defines our vision, positions and actions. We are an European country with a natural transatlantic vocation, a close Ally which promotes the values of freedom, democracy and prosperity, and through its behavior generates added value to Alliance’s solidarity, force and unity. Our major objective is to preserve NATO’s profile and efficiency, as a major pillar of the Euro-Atlantic security at the beginning of the 21st Century. NATO will remain the major guarantee for Romania’s security.
We look upon this moment with high hopes and expectations. Romania has made important progress in the economic field, as well as in the reform of the military. My country has confirmed that it is willing and able to be part not only of an international community of values but also of a community of action.
Alongside other institutions, NATO has an important role to play in enhancing security and supporting reforms in various regions, familiar to all of us: the Balkans, the Eastern Europe, the Black Sea-Caucasus area. That is why it is in our strategic interest for NATO to succeed in its current missions, to complete its transformation process and to enhance its network of partnerships around and beyond Europe.
Let me conclude by expressing the hope that viewpoints to be presented during our Summit will contribute to further identify pragmatic ways to maximizing the process of Euro-Atlantic cooperation. As NATO’s Eastern border, Romania’s interest lies in a strong, viable, and united Alliance. We are committed to make use of our NATO and EU membership to promote Trans-Atlantic values within the region and beyond.
|
