Romania achieves an important strategic result within NATO, given that, after more than five years of negotiations, the Alliance has approved the eastward expansion of NATO's fuel pipeline network, an essential project for strengthening security and military mobility on the Eastern Flank, President Nicusor Dan announced on Thursday.

According to the president, the decision also comes as a result of the lessons learned after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which demonstrated how important logistical infrastructure is for collective defense.

'Romania has been actively involved in this process from the beginning, through the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense and the Romanian Delegation to NATO. Yesterday, the North Atlantic Council approved the financing of the project from NATO's common funds, worth 27 billion euros for the next 20 years, the largest investment of this type in the history of the Alliance. Of this financing, approximately 2.15 billion euros will go to Romania. The new network will also cross Romanian territory, will have both military and civilian uses and will create important opportunities for the Romanian economy and companies. This project consolidates Romania's role as a frontline ally on the Black Sea and strengthens our country's strategic connectivity with NATO allies,' Nicusor Dan said in a message posted on social media. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Catalina Matei; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)