Minister of National Defense Ionut Mosteanu said that the institution under his direction is continuing 'the most extensive modernization program in the history of the Army' through investments in technology, infrastructure and training programs. However - he pointed out - people remain the most important investment.

'This year too, the Ministry of National Defense continues the largest modernization program in the history of the Army through major investments in combat equipment, infrastructure and integrated training programs. However, the most important investment remains the one in people, the service people who, through professionalism and balance, confer strength and credibility to the institution of the army. At the same time, we are working to improve the working, living conditions and the equipment of the military personnel so that they can fulfill their mission at the highest standards,' Mosteanu declared on Saturday in a speech delivered at a military and religious ceremony organized for Romanian Army Day in Bucharest's Carol Park.

On this occasion, the minister also thanked the troops for the professionalism with which they fulfill their missions and the example they set to society.

'Dear uniformed and civilian members of the Romanian Army, this day is dedicated to you. Through your sense of duty and courage, you defend the peace and security of Romania. You are the continuers of a tradition that has shaped history and you represent the guarantee of a secure future for our country. I thank you for the professional way in which you fulfill your missions and for the example you set to the entire society,' said Minister Mosteanu at the events organized in honor of Romanian Army Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier memorial in Carol I Park.

He also emphasized the significance of the date on which Army Day is celebrated, bringing to mind that on October 25, 1944 the Romanian Army fully liberated the national territory from the Horthyst and fascist occupation, following the Battle of Carei.

'Today Romania remembers that national freedom and dignity were conquered and are defended through the courage, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice of the Romanian Army. In 1944, on October 25, at Carei, the Romanian Army completed the liberation of the national territory from the Horthyst and fascist occupation. It was a moment that reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the Romanian people to defend their territory and independence. Today, eight decades after those events, we bow with respect to the heroes of yesterday and today, to those who put duty to the homeland above their life. We express our gratitude to the soldiers who fought on the WWII battlefronts and to those who currently carry out combat missions in the air, on water, on land, defending the integrity of Romania and the safety of its citizens. Our thoughts also go to their families, who offer them support and balance in difficult times,' the Defense minister declared.

Mosteanu also referred to the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine, stating that Romania 'remains a reliable ally and a factor of stability on the eastern flank'.

'The Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine has changed the security environment and, in this context, Romania remains a reliable ally and a factor of stability on the eastern flank of NATO and within the European Union, contributing together with its partners to the defense of freedom and the international order based on rules, not on force,' the official concluded. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)