NATO Secretary General discusses Ukraine with Romanian prime minister

NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, and the Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae Ciucă

 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed tensions caused by  the Russian military buildup near Ukraine with Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă on Tuesday.

The Secretary General praised Romania’s contributions to the Alliance, including for playing an essential role in the Black Sea region. Mr Ciuca was on a visit to the NATO headquarters.

Mr. Stoltenberg also welcomed Romania’s efforts to help build stability in the Western Balkans, and its support to NATO’s partners, including to Moldova and Ukraine, both former Soviet republics.

The two leaders discussed Russia’s military build-up around Ukraine. The Secretary General said that “despite international calls for transparency and de-escalation, the build-up continues.”

We have made clear that any further aggression against Ukraine would carry a very high price. We will also continue to support our close partner Ukraine, politically and practically. And we stand up for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and we stand also for Ukraine’s right to choose its own path”.  

He added that NATO remains ready for meaningful dialogue with Russia and expressed his intention to call a new meeting of NATO-Russia Council early next year.

Any dialogue would need to be based on the core principles of European security, he said. It would need to take place in consultation with NATO’s European partners, including Ukraine.

Romania has a number of NATO bases on its territory including the Mihail Kogalcineanu base at the Black Sea.

The premier previously served as defense minister.

US Sec’y of Defense discusses Black Sea security with Romanian leader ahead of NATO meeting

 

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