NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, conveyed a strong message of support for Romania on Wednesday in Bucharest, stating that „if an attack were to take place from anywhere,” the entire North Atlantic Alliance would intervene to defend the country. The official emphasized that „Romania is a valuable ally,” and NATO „is determined to defend every inch of allied territory,” also announcing the expansion of forces stationed on Romanian territory.
Mark Rutte promises that „if an attack were to take place from anywhere” on Romania, „all of NATO will come to save you.”
The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, present at Cotroceni on Wednesday, was asked about the withdrawal of American troops from Romania and responded that "NATO is determined to defend the alliance countries, to defend every inch of allied territory."
Rutte stated that "Romania is a valuable ally" contributing to collective security.
"Romania understands the importance of investing in defense and is an example in this regard. It is clear that Romania invests in NATO and I want to be clear that NATO also invests in Romania," mentioned Mark Rutte during the joint conference at Cotroceni, alongside President Nicuşor Dan.
"If this country were to be attacked, not only the forces stationed here would act, but the entire NATO capacity, the F-35 fleet, naval and land forces. There are 31 other states coming to save Romania. This makes us invincible, and therefore, I don't believe anyone will try," added Mark Rutte.
"This is how NATO works, and not just in theory," promised the Secretary General.
Furthermore, he specified that the land forces stationed in Romania are set to be expanded from 1,500 to over 5,000 soldiers, so that NATO can react immediately if the security situation requires it.
"We can provide additional support wherever it is needed. If defense demands it, including in Romania," explained the NATO official.
Nicuşor Dan: Our country is protected from any kind of potential threat
In turn, President Nicuşor Dan detailed his discussions with the NATO chief.
"We discussed Ukraine and how we will continue aid for Ukraine.
We talked about the Sentry of the East, which is NATO's program for the air defense of the eastern flank, including Romania, not only drones but a comprehensive air defense program across the entire eastern flank.
In this context, we discussed the additional military capabilities that will be brought to the entire Eastern Flank, including Romania."
"We briefly discussed the Black Sea region, where Romania has a particular security interest regarding the eastern flank.
We also discussed hybrid threats and how we can collaborate on them.
I reaffirmed that Romania will fulfill the obligations it has assumed, will continue to be a security provider, and a country contributing to Euro-Atlantic security," the president promised.
"The conclusion is that our country has allies and is adequately protected against any kind of potential threat," Nicuşor Dan also emphasized.
NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, is on his first visit to our country since taking over the leadership of the Alliance. President Nicuşor Dan welcomed Rutte at the Cotroceni Palace.
Wednesday afternoon, Rutte is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan at Victoria Palace. He will then be received at the Senate by President Mircea Abrudean, as well as by the President of the Chamber, Sorin Grindeanu.