site.btaDefence Ministers of Romania and Germany Sign Cooperation Agreement

Romanian National Defence Minister Radu-Dinel Miruta and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius signed a joint declaration of intent in Berlin on Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defence said on its website. The document establishes a framework for cooperation between the two countries in the defence equipment sector. 

According to the Ministry, the document is of strategic importance and includes four elements related to joint logistical support, bilateral procurement of products and services, joint development of military equipment and research in the field of defence technologies.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday evening, Miruta wrote that Romania has already demonstrated that it is a reliable partner for Germany, and that his meeting with Pistorius was practical. The sides agreed to continue that dialogue in the coming period, it transpires from the post. In Miruta's words, Romania should not just be a cart pulled by others.

Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff of Romania Gheorghita Vlad held talks with German Chief of Defence Carsten Breuer, focusing on operational cooperation and regional security development. During the meeting, the possibilities of developing joint projects and utilizing EU funding instruments were analyzed, with a particular focus on the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defence instrument.

Defence was also a key focus of Wednesday's meeting between Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz in Berlin. It was also made clear that military cooperation would be strengthened. Other topics discussed included Romania's actions to protect NATO's eastern flank and ensure security in the Black Sea region.