Every Romanian soldier is very important in ensuring our country's security, regardless of where they operate, defence minister Angel Tilvar said during a videoconference with the ministry of defence leadership and the Romanian soldiers in the theatres of operations.

According to a press release of the Ministry of Defence, the commanders of the Romanian detachments carrying out missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Lithuania, Poland, the Central African Republic and Slovakia presented the ministry's leadership with a brief overview of the security situation in the area and the status of achieving the objectives of the operations and missions in which they participate in Europe and Africa.

'Every Romanian soldier is very important in ensuring our country's security, no matter where they operate - in NATO's reinforced air policing missions in the Baltic States, in NATO and EU operations in the Western Balkans and Africa, or within NATO battle groups in Bulgaria, Poland and Slovakia. We are proud of your achievements and I urge you to continue to emphasise the elements of conduct, because you represent Romania with honour. There have been many situations in which my counterparts from NATO and the European Union have expressed their appreciation for the professionalism of the Romanian soldiers, in the context of formal meetings that I have had with them, and I was happy to do so,' said minister Tilvar.

For his part, the chief of the Defence Staff, general Gheorghita Vlad, highlighted the good results reported by the commanders of the detachments participating in missions outside the country and underscored the need to maintain a high level of vigilance.

'I know that for many of you these holidays come at a time when you are starting a mission, at an intense pace of adaptation and responsibility. I encourage you to continue to capitalise on the experience of those you have replaced and to maintain that seriousness that defines each mission of the Romanian Army. At the same time, do not forget to carry forward, wherever you are, a part of the spirit of Romanian Easter; our traditions can be a bridge between people, regardless of place or uniform. I also send my thanks and good thoughts to your families, who are by your side unconditionally and play an essential role in the balance you have, even far from home,' said general Vlad.

Romania ensures the leadership of the European Union Operation EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where approximately 800 soldiers are deployed, as well as the leadership of the European Union Mission to support the Central African authorities in the areas of strategic advice and education for security forces (European Union Training Mission in Central African Republic - EUTM RCA).

Currently, approximately 1,500 Romanian soldiers are participating in missions and operations under the command or mandate of NATO, the EU and the UN. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita, EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)