November 29, 2022 UPDATE

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)