PM Ponta in Kandahar: Romania is a partner well-respected by NATO allies

Premier Victor Ponta said on Sunday in Kandahar, where he attended the ceremony marking the start of the withdrawal of Romanian troops from Afghanistan, that Romania is now a safer country and a partner well-respected by NATO allies thanks to the sacrifice and bravery of the Romanian troops who went on missions in this theater of operations.

"Esteemed officers and NCOs, I am here to thank you for everything you have done in the missions here, and I wish you all to make a safe return home. I just want to tell you once again that thanks to your mission, sacrifice and courage, Romania is today a safer country and a partner well-respected by NATO countries and our allies. The 23 comrades of yours who gave their lives will remain Romania's heroes; I am also thinking of the wounded who will need our support and solidarity. The Government's duty is to make sure that you have better living conditions than you've had lately here. We are all waiting for you to make a safe homecoming. We are proud of you! I further wish you much success," Prime Minister Ponta said in his address to the Romanian troops.

The Prime Minister is accompanied in Kandahar by Defence Minister Mircea Dusa and Deputy Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea.

Minister Dusa stressed that the Romanian soldiers report "Mission accomplished", reminding also that the Romanian troops have been present in Afghanistan since February 2002.

"Romania was among the first countries to participate in the ISAF missions, as early as in February 2002. In June 2002, ie exactly 12 years ago, the 'Red Scorpions' detachment were arriving here, at the military base in Kandahar, from Craiova. You were the ones to open the way for the battalions' mission in Afghanistan, and you are again to...