The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, represented a turning point for international relations and changed the manner in which states regard security, defence and their own vulnerabilities, National University of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA) Rector Remus Pricopie said on Friday.

'25 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we commemorate those who lost their life and we voice our solidarity with their families and with all those affected by this tragedy. The passage of time does not diminish the duty to keep their memory alive nor the responsibility to understand the lessons of that day. September 11, 2001, represented a turning point for international relations,' the SNSPA rector conveyed in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Friday.

According to him, the strategic priorities have been redefined, the international cooperation in combatting terrorism has become essential and the decisions made in the years following the events have continued to influence the international affairs and the manner in which states respond to threats against security.

'The strategic competition between the great powers has heightened, war has come back to Europe, and conventional threats coexist with terrorism, cyber attacks, disinformation and hybrid actions. The experience of the past 25 years shows us that the security of a state depends not only on its defence capacity but also on the resilience of institutions, on citizens' trust in democracy and the capacity of society to coherently respond to crises,' Remus Pricopie underscored.

In his opinion, consolidating national security and strengthening democratic institutions are essential in this context.

At the same time, the SNSPA rector says, democracies must be capable to defend themselves without giving up their defining principles.

'It is one of the most difficult, but also one of the most important lessons of the period after September 11, 2001. At the same time, the past 25 years have proved both the value of solidarity among allies and the need for its continuous consolidation. Faced with threats that go beyond national borders, security cannot be built in isolation. At a moment when relations among allies go through a resettlement process, preserving some credible alliances, some solid strategic partnerships and sone international institutions capable to adapt themselves becomes increasingly important,' he underscored.

Remus Pricopie also pointed out that for Romania the status of NATO and European Union member as well as the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America represent the essential pillars of national security, and, in the current geopolitical context, Romania has the responsibility to continue investing in its own defence capability and in the resilience of its institutions, and also to actively contribute to strengthening the transatlantic relation and the European security.

'Security, freedom and democracy are not guaranteed forever. They depend on strong institutions, on allied solidarity and each generation's capacity of protecting them. 25 years after September 11, 2001, we have the duty to keep alive the victims' memory and to capitalise on the lessons of the past in the decisions we make for the future. It is a responsibility we must assume in a world in which peace and security remain fragile,' the SNSPA rector conveyed.

The terrorist attacks in New York and Washington of September 11, 2001, have been regarded as the most serious attack on American soil in the US history.

A total of 2,977 people died in New York, Washington, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Roberto Stan; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)