U.S., Romanian defense officials hold staff talks, and Moldova Security Assistance Roundtable

Romanian representatives of the Ministry of National Defense received a U.S. European Command delegation in Bucharest, September 10, 2024, to discuss security cooperation and support to Allies and partners and pave a way forward for continued military cooperation, according to a US Embassy’s press release.

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Quaid Quadri, USEUCOM’s Deputy Director for Plans, Strategy, and Capabilities led the USEUCOM delegation to the talks which was hosted by Romanian Major General Liviu-Mihail Iancu, deputy head of the Department for defense policy, planning and international relations.

“The Romania-U.S. Strategic Partnership is built on a strong foundation of mutual trust and shared commitment to regional stability and it represents one of the pillars of our national security architecture.  Today’s discussions underscored the importance of our military cooperation and we are thankful for the U.S. contribution in consolidating security in the Black Sea region” Maj. Gen. Iancu said.

“The United States and Romania are long-standing strategic partners and allies.  The United States deeply values and commends Romania’s exceptional leadership in the region.  We share a mutual commitment to addressing common threats and challenges, strengthening security in the Black Sea region, and supporting Euro-Atlantic integration,” said Bg. Gen. Quadri.

Romania hosts both U.S. and NATO forces as part of a larger effort to enhance the numbers and capabilities of rotational forces to deter and defend against Russian aggression.  This year marks 20 years of Romania’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), marking a significant milestone in our enduring partnership.

Following the Bilateral Staff Talks, Major General Iancu and Brigadier General Quadri welcomed representatives from the Republic of Moldova, led by Deputy Chief of the National Army General Staff, Brigadier General Sergiu Cirimpei, and the United Kingdom delegation, led by Ms. Amy Walker, Deputy Director for Euro-Atlantic Security.  On this occasion, the second session of discussions under the Moldova Security Assistance Roundtable (M-SAR) took place.  The continuation of this format provides essential guidance in critical areas such as defense policy, defense planning, capability development, and training activities.

“We are excited and honored to continue to participate in the Romanian-led meeting of the Moldova Security Assistance Roundtable, or M-SAR,” said Bg. Gen. Quadri.

“The second edition of this roundtable reaffirms our commitment to supporting Republic of Moldova’s defense needs and achieving tangible results together,” said Maj. Gen. Iancu.

U.S. European Command and its forces are committed to defense cooperation with Romania and will continue to build readiness with NATO Allies and partners. U.S. European Command’s activities in Moldova focus on building institutional and defense capabilities necessary for territorial defense, as well as improving its capacity to participate in international peacekeeping operations.