Romania to Contribute in Air-Policing Mission Over the Baltic States

Lithuanian Ministry of Defence, On Wednesday, 3 May the Romanian Minister of Defence Teodor Atanasiu, who is currently visiting Lithuania with an official two-day visit, during his meeting with the Lithuanian Minister of National Defence Gediminas Kirkilas confirmed that Romania would contribute to an air-policing mission over the Baltic States in 2007. 
 
During the meeting, which was held at the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence, the Ministers also discussed the on-going bilateral military co-operation between Lithuania and Romania, a security situation in South Eastern Europe, support of Ukraine, as well as of Moldova, in their aspirations to join NATO, and the involvement of the both countries in international operations. The Lithuanian Minister of National Defence invited Romania to join the mission of the Lithuanian-led Ghor Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. 
 
Lithuania and Romania have been actively co-operating in the field of defence since 1998. Military personnel of the both countries take part in joint exercises, while military academies make an exchange of delegations. Last year Romanian military personnel attended an international exercise Amber Hope 2005 hosted by Lithuania; at the moment a Romanian military officer serves at the Baltic Defence College in Tartu, Estonia. 
 
During his visit to Lithuania, the Romanian Minister of Defence will also visit the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Juozas