Romanian President Says NATO Must Ensure Safe Energy Transport In Europe - Paper

The military alliance’s top priority should be protecting energy infrastructure, Basescu said in an interview Monday.

 

He said Romania is not only an energy consumer among NATO states, but also a security provider, capable of organizing a NATO summit.

 

“About 20 years ago, Romania was a communist country stuck in one of the most atrocious dictatorships. Today, we are a member state of the North Atlantic Alliance and of the European Union, we returned to the family of European and transatlantic democracies. We welcome a great number of heads of state who will consider the fate of the security in NATO and EU states. This is the best proof of our development,” Basescu said.

 

Asked if energy security issues are the ones behind the invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin to the NATO summit, Basescu replied NATO’s secretary general, not Romania, invited the Russian head of state.

 

“We have no plans regarding bilateral relations with Russia. Vladimir Putin’s presence in the Bucharest summit can only confirm the desire for a partnership between NATO and Russia,” Basescu told Le Temps.

 

“The security issues NATO is facing are valid for Russia as well. Terrorism is a threat both to NATO members and to Russia. Weapon, human or drugs trafficking poses equal danger to Russia and NATO states,” Basescu explained.