President Iohannis: We have a responsibility to reflect on Romania's journey in order to have a democratic,secure and prosperous future

President Klaus Iohannis says that Romanians have the responsibility to reflect in the Centennial year on Romania's journey for a democratic, secure and prosperous future.

"Over this century of the Romanian national state existence, preserving unity and sovereignty of our country was possible through the sacrifice and dedication of those who, with honor and pride, wore the military uniform. We have received a legacy to be proud of and we have the responsibility, at this anniversary moment, to reflect on the course that Romania must follow in order to have a democratic, secure and prosperous future," the head of state said on Wednesday, in the speech he delivered at the official lunch offered on the occasion of the Romanian Army Day, in honor of the servicemen and civilians around the country and in theaters of operations.

He underscored that the Army represents one of "of the fundamental institutions of Romania and of our statehood, an essential pillar in maintaining security in a highly dynamic, ever-changing world, characterised by constant challenges."

"In such a complicated context, it is very important that citizens know they are protected and sheltered from any danger. And Romanians constantly show their trust in the Army, which represents the best proof that the professionalism and involvement of all those who serve, in uniform, under the tricolour flag, are cherished and respected. Our servicemen are equally well appreciated by the international partners, being recognised as good comrades, totally dedicated to the that missions they are intrusted with, which makes our Army a very good ambassador of Romania around the world. Moreover, the participations in multinational operations, on various continents, in Iraq and Afghanistan, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, strengthened both the Strategic Partnership with the United States, as well as the status of our country in NATO and the European Union," Iohannis said.

The head of state showed that Romania proved it is a "credible, predictable security provider, whose security policy is based on transparency and the commitment for the Euro-Atlantic values of the rule of law and functional democracy."

He brought to mind the allocation of two percent of the GDP for the Army, underscoring the endowment of the Land, Air and Naval Forces with modern military technique, as well as ensuring an efficient training and increasing the level of combat training of the military structures, which will decisively contribute to achieving the goal of Romania becoming stronger.

"However, in order to reach a superior level of performance, the Government, the National Defence Ministry and the General Staff have the responsibility to initiate and conduct programmes necessary to increasing the army's combat capability, according to the commitments took on, as well as ensuring a pace in terms of using the budget funds, so that there their employment and usage be a certainty," he underscored.

Klaus Iohannis mentioned that the Romanian state should further take actions in order to strengthen and expand the Strategic Partnership with the US, but also for maintaining and increasing our strategic relevance, as a full member of NATO and the EU.

"Firstly, Romania's Army means those people who dedicated themselves to a profession of faith, that of defending the country, even with the sacrifice of their life. I thank the soldiers and civilians working in the Romanian Armed Forces for their proven high-level of training in joint activities and missions with our allies and partners, in theaters of operations, on land, air or water. I wish you much success further on! Romania needs your strength and commitment in order to build a safe and prosperous future for the benefit of all citizens!," President Iohannis concluded. AGERPRES (RO - author: Florentina Peia, editor: Andreea Rotaru; EN - author: Rodica State, editor: Adina Panaitescu)