2016 was a year of transition for the Romanian Army, both in terms of the implementation of the decisions taken by NATO at the summits in Wales and Poland and in terms of its budget, which has reached 2% of the GDP this year. On Tuesday, the defence ministry presented its activity report for last year, an event attended by president Klaus Iohannis, prime minister Sorin Grindeanu and the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Liviu Dragnea. In the opinion of the defence minister Gabriel Les, Romania is ready to face the existing security challenges, including the threats on its eastern border, as well as the cyber threats. He said the Romanian Army must maintain a high level of reaction for the purpose of national defence. President Klaus Iohannis said the Army\u2019s priorities remain the strategic partnership with the United States and the consolidation of its position with the North Atlantic Alliance.<\/p>\n
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The Romanian military fully deserve to be appreciated, said the President: \u201cThe army is a fundamental institution of the Romanian state, one that our citizens view with trust and pride. This level of appreciation is the result of the professionalism of the military and civilian staff who carry out their missions with patriotism and dedication.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The President highlighted the importance of the army within a complex international context with geopolitical and security developments that have complicated the international environment in recent years: the protraction of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, the war in Syria, Islamic fundamentalist terrorism and the migration crisis generated by the instability in the Middle East. Prime minister Sorin Grindeanu said the local defence industry should be involved in the programmes to modernise the army and that his government is determined to keep its commitments in respect of the army budget.<\/p>\n
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Sorin Grindeanu: \u201cIn keeping with the commitments made, the defence budget should benefit from 2% of the GDP. We aim to maintain this level in the 2018-2020 period. This budget ensures solid ground for accelerating the modernisation of the Romanian Army.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The prime minister also reiterated his cabinet\u2019s firm commitment to carry out its defence policy objectives and to achieve the modernisation and consolidation of the army. The Romanian military are an example of determination, promptitude and professionalism, said the speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and president of the Social Democratic Party Liviu Dragnea. He added that the 2% allocated to the army starting this year is a minimum level that should be maintained in the next 10 years. <\/p>\n
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(Translated by Cristina Mateescu)<\/em><\/p>\n
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