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Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Ponta to Brussels.
I am particularly pleased to meet you here at NATO Headquarters so recently after you
took office.
Romania is a staunch Ally. I very much appreciate your commitment to the Alliance in spite of
economic difficulties. Romania knows that our security is priceless. You make an important
contribution to our operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo. And you are an important voice
in our dialogue and decision-making between Allies.
We discussed our key priorities for our summit next week in Chicago – Afghanistan, smart
defence and partnerships.
On Afghanistan: in Chicago we will set out how we intend to complete the transition to
full Afghan security by the end of 2014. And make clear our continued support to Afghan
security forces beyond 2014, so that Afghanistan remains stable and secure.
On capabilities, which will be the second item on the agenda, Chicago will show we are
learning the lessons from our operations and our commitment to keeping NATO fit for purpose
and fit for the future. When defence budgets are under pressure, NATO can help Allies build
greater security with fewer resources, by adopting a new approach: Smart Defence. The
NATO missile defence system is an excellent example.
I welcome Romania’s active posture on Smart Defence: by agreeing to host a key part of
the NATO Missile Defence system, you are making an important contribution to our shared security.
And Romania is also taking part in key NATO projects: C-17 transport aircraft and Allied
Ground Surveillance drone programme. Such contributions are essential to the strength
of our Alliance.
In Chicago, we will also demonstrate NATO’s determination to broaden and deepen our partnerships.
Prime minister, I would like to thank you for the role Romania plays in building strong
relationships with our partners, especially in the Western Balkans.
Mr Prime minister, I count on your Government’s support for Romania’s continued contribution
to the Alliance and the ambitious agenda we have in front
of us, for
Chicago
and beyond.