The former Foreign Minister of Romania, Mircea Geoana, is the next Deputy Secretary General of NATO
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has decided to appoint Romanian Mircea Geoana as the next Deputy Secretary General, according to a communiqué posted on NATO's website on Wednesday. "I am happy to announce the appointment of Mircea Geoana as the next Deputy Secretary General. He is a staunch advocate of the transatlantic bond and will bring long experience as a statesman and diplomat to this post. He will be the first Romanian to hold this senior office," Stoltenberg said.
Mircea Geoana served as President of the Romanian Senate, Foreign Minister, and Romania's Ambassador to the United States. He is also the founder and president of the Aspen Institute Romania. Until now, the highest NATO office held by a Romanian was that of Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, held by Sorin Ducaru between 2013-2017.
After the official announcement, Mircea Geoana said in social media posts that his appointment is a challenge, but also an opportunity to represent the interests of the Alliance, which ensures the security of more than one billion citizens. He has stated he is deeply honored by the appointment as the key-position he is about to hold is a recognition of Romania's important contribution within NATO. Mircea Geoana has also stated that, throughout his political and diplomatic career, he has promoted Romania's transatlantic ties and integration. He has also appreciated the cross-party political and institutional support for his candidacy.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry has hailed the appointment of Mircea Geoana as Deputy Secretary General, describing it as a special moment with regard to Romania's NATO membership. "Taking over this important office, the highest held by Romania in the NATO hierarchy, confirms the Romanian candidate's professional skills and experience, and at the same time represents a special acknowledgment of Romania's significant role and contribution within NATO, 15 years since its accession", the Romanian Foreign Ministry has stated. Also, the ministry is convinced that Geoana's holding this important position will help strengthen NATO's role and mission as provider of security and collective defense in the Euro-Atlantic area, for the benefit of Romania, of all the allied countries and their citizens.
High-ranking officials in Bucharest have too hailed Geoana's appointment. A successful diplomatic career, unlike the political one, as well as his constant devotion to transatlantic relations, recommended Mircea Geoana for this top level position in the Alliance.
(translated by M. Ignatescu)Useful Links
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