Romania's path to NATO was built on the profound desire of being a part of a space of democracy, freedom and the rule of law, President Nicusor Dan said on Sunday in a message marking the 77th anniversary of the signing of the Washington Treaty, the founding act of the Alliance.
'Today we celebrate NATO Day in Romania and at the same time mark the 77th anniversary of the establishment of the North Atlantic Alliance on 4 April 1949. The current international context reminds us, perhaps more clearly than ever, how precious and fragile peace is and how important NATO membership remains. For Romania, this day is not merely a formal anniversary, but a reaffirmation of an assumed destiny: that of a committed member state which actively contributes to Euro-Atlantic security. Romania's path to NATO was built on the deep desire to be part of a space of democracy, freedom and the rule of law. These are the values that underpin the way we build our defence. At the centre of this architecture lies Article 5 of the Washington Treaty - the certainty that Romania's security is guaranteed by the full strength of the Alliance,' Nicusor Dan said, according to the Facebook page of the Presidential Administration.
The President said that 'we owe a deep respect' to Romanian soldiers involved in NATO missions.
'My thoughts today also turn to our service members who have fallen in the line of duty. We owe a deep respect to Romanian soldiers who have served or are serving under the Alliance's flag in theatres of operations in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq or in other NATO missions. Their professionalism, courage and spirit of sacrifice have, for more than two decades, been the best calling card of our country. I am grateful for their dedication and I thank their families for the steadfast support that makes this service possible. Many happy returns, NATO! Many happy returns to Romania within the North Atlantic Alliance!' Nicusor Dan also said.
According to Law No. 390/2004, NATO Day is marked in Romania on the first Sunday of April. Romania deposited its instrument of ratification of the Washington Treaty with the US Department of State on 29 March 2004, followed by the ceremony of raising the Romanian flag at NATO Headquarters during the ministerial meeting on 2 April 2004.
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