New Delhi: The UK has bolstered its defence relationship with Romania with a new treaty that will see the two nations work more closely together on a range of military matters.
Defence Secretary John Healey signed the agreement in London on Wednesday with his Romanian counterpart Angel Tîlvăr, amid strengthening ties between the two NATO allies in support of Ukraine. The treaty will enhance UK-Romania defense cooperation to maintain European peace and security, improve joint armed forces’ effectiveness, and facilitate information sharing, the UK press release stated.
It includes the establishment of a joint defence committee, which will provide a framework through which the two countries can reinforce their relationship and better work together to combat shared threats.
Secretary Healey said, “This agreement demonstrates how quickly the UK’s defence relationship with Romania is growing and it shows our shared commitment to peace and security in Europe.
“This Government is resetting Britain’s relations across Europe, and this agreement builds on that commitment as we continue to deepen our ties.
“The UK’s security starts in Ukraine and, together with Romania as our NATO allies, we will continue to support Ukraine against Putin’s illegal invasion.”
Romania has deployed military personnel to the UK to train 45,000 Ukrainian recruits in basic infantry and combat skills as part of Operation Interflex. The UK has also deployed a Royal Air Force fighter squadron of six Typhoons and around 200 personnel to Romania to fly NATO air policing missions for four months earlier this year.
The UK and Romania have often conducted joint exercises, including a British Army deployment to Romania in September and October to practice training in difficult terrain alongside NATO allies during Exercise Sarmis.