The demonstrations organized for Navy Day, on the seafront in front of the Fleet Command, bring to Constanța on Thursday a good part of Romania’s important politicians, including President Klaus Iohannis.
Several politicians, including the prime minister and the president of Romania, will arrive in Constanța on Thursday
President Klaus Iohannis declared on Thursday, in Constanţa, during the festivities organized for the Day of the Romanian Navy, that our country is recognized and appreciated at the allied level as a solid pillar of regional security and a major contributor to the process of strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense on the eastern flank.
“The Black Sea region became an area recognized and treated as being of strategic importance for Euro-Atlantic security, and this fact was officially recorded in the most important strategic documents of NATO. Through dialogue and permanent involvement, we strengthened this approach including at the recent NATO Summit in Washington, when all allies emphasized that they remain firmly committed to the security and stability of the Black Sea region, a result that is very good for our country. Here, therefore, Romania is recognized and appreciated at the allied level as a solid pillar of regional security and a major contributor to the process of strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the eastern flank“, Iohannis said in his address.
The president also stated that Romania is a safe and stable country and recalled the political, diplomatic and military effort of our country in the context of the war started by Russia against Ukraine.
“Even if we live in times marked by multiple security challenges, Romania is today a safe and stable country, irreversibly on the path of democratic development, alongside partners and allies from the European Union and NATO. Here, on the shores of the Black Sea, in the vicinity of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, we see more clearly than ever the results of Romania’s political, diplomatic and military efforts in recent years. Today, our country benefits from the most solid security guarantees, and Romanian citizens are defended and protected against any potential threats“, stated the head of state.
The President listed some of Romania’s initiatives in the field of regional security, including the establishment of an Operational Group for Combating Marine Mines in the Black Sea, alongside Bulgaria and Turkey.
“Starting with 2015, we established and operationalized numerous NATO structures in Romania, and the presence of our allied comrades, who train alongside the Romanian military on the national territory, has grown constantly, reaching a number of approximately 5,000 allied soldiers deployed in Romania. This collaboration denotes our firm commitment to defend each other, according to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. Italy, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Canada, Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia and Luxembourg. At the same time, I thank the air forces of Finland and Great Britain, which recently completed the air police mission in Romania.” , continued the head of state.
Iohannis emphasized that Romania continues to be an important pillar of regional and Euro-Atlantic security.
“We remain in solidarity with our NATO Allies and European Union partners in the assistance efforts dedicated to Ukraine, which has been fighting for over two and a half years against a brutal and illegal aggression,” added the president.
Klaus Iohannis told the sailors that the devotion, tenacity and spirit of sacrifice that define them are an example of excellence, and the Romanian Naval Forces are a symbol of national strength and resilience.
“In the current, increasingly challenging security context, including in the maritime environment, the role of the Romanian Naval Forces in ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security is essential. On the occasion of the Day of the Romanian Navy, as a sign of appreciation for the high professionalism and the outstanding results achieved, we followed the proposal of the Minister of National Defense and decorated the Battle Flag of the General Staff of the Naval Forces with the Order of ‘Maritime Virtue’ in the rank of Commander with the of peace for the military“, the president said.
Also, Iohannis praised the dedication and professionalism of the sailors and appreciated the large number of Romanians who came to the festivities in Constanta.
“In this last year of office, it is all the more emotional for me to be with you, to celebrate together one of the most awaited holidays. An extraordinary atmosphere is created here every time! I am glad to see so many Romanians coming here especially to participate in the festivities dedicated to our sailors, military and civilian alike, who proudly carry the Romanian flag in the world. Dear sailors, it is no coincidence that the protector of the Romanian Navy is the Holy Virgin Mary, whose attributes – determination, tenacity and strength – inspire our sailors so that they can face the challenges of this special vocation. The profession of sailor suits true daredevils, strong characters and those capable of sacrifice and able to fearlessly approach challenges of any nature. The dedication and professionalism with which you, the sailors, carry the Romanian flag in the world are exemplary and become benchmarks for the whole society and role models especially for the younger generations. At the same time, with respect and gratitude, today we also think of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the seas and oceans of the world, far from their family and loved ones, and we pay a pious tribute to the seafaring heroes of Romania“, the head of state also said.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu had another program: Visit to Văratec Monastery
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has another program for this day, choosing to go to the Văratec Monastery, where he participated in the Assumption service.
Along with Ciolacu, the general secretary of the party, Paul Stănescu, was present, as well as the PSD Neamţ president, Daniel Vasilică Harpa and deputy Ciprian Şerban (first vice-president of the branch).
They were received, as hosts, by the mayor of Agapia commune and the abbess of the monastery.
“The Holy Liturgy at the patron saint of the Văratec Monastery has a special charm in this holy place where the strength of the spirituality of the Romanian nation is preserved. I enjoyed the service together with all the believers who came here with an open heart and full of faith. And I prayed with them for the peace and prosperity of all Romanians. A blessed day to all!“, Marcel Ciolacu said.
The Prime Minister told the sailors this morning, on the occasion of Navy Day, that he respects them and thanks them for their effort and daily work.
“I congratulate, respect and thank all Romanian sailors, military or civilian, for their daily effort and work. “Happy birthday”, on this holy day of August 15, Saint Mary’s Day, the protector of sailors everywhere!“, the prime minister wrote on Facebook.
Defense Minister: The role of the Naval Forces is essential
The Minister of Defense Angel Tîlvăr states, in the Navy Day message, that today, more than ever, the role of the Naval Forces is essential in the national security architecture, in an allied and European context, especially in the current security environment, affected by the illegal war by Russia against Ukraine.
“On this important day, when we celebrate the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary, we say “Happy Birthday” to the military sailors! Today, more than ever, the role of the Romanian Naval Forces is essential in the national security architecture, in an allied and European context, especially in the current security environment, affected by the illegal war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine“, writes the Minister of Defense on Facebook.
He mentions that this year he operationalized, together with Bulgaria and Turkey, the Task Force for Combating Sea Mines in the Black Sea, whose main purpose is to maintain the safety of maritime traffic through activities of surveillance, recognition and neutralization of sea mines, as well as through related search and rescue operations at sea.
“I thank our military sailors who ensure the continuous presence with ships and other military capabilities in the areas of responsibility at sea and on the Danube. Good card ahead!“, says Tîlvăr at the end of the message.
President Klaus Iohannis and Nicolae Ciucă are participating in this event.
The schedule of Navy Day events
The municipality of Constanța will be the main host of the events organized by the Romanian Naval Forces, on the occasion of the celebration of the Romanian Navy Day, on Thursday, August 15, starting at 10:00 a.m.
After the reception of the official person and the review of the honor guard, the flag of Romania will be raised on the mast on the cliff in front of the Fleet Command, and on board the military ships the Flag, the jacket and the Grand Pavoaz will be raised, simultaneously with the singing of the National Anthem of of Romania and the firing of the 21 cannon salvos.
Next, the Chief of Staff of the Naval Forces will address the welcome message to the event, after which will follow the speeches of the officials and a religious service, with the laying of anchors of flowers in the water of the Black Sea, in memory of the seafaring heroes.
The god Neptune will make his appearance on board the maritime sloop “Luceafărul” and will start the seamanship games and competitions, on the seafront in front of the Fleet Command.
The opening greeting of the assembled demonstration exercise will be delivered by the cadets on board the “Mircea” School Ship, and three paratroopers will be launched from helicopters to present the Romanian, NATO and EU flags to the public on the cliff.
The joint naval exercise “Romanian Naval Forces 2024” includes sequences from the training activities carried out by the military sailors, such as the insertion of elements of research and diversion, the rejection of the enemy aviation attack, the search and attack of the enemy submarine, the rejection of the maritime landing, the fight against illegal migration at sea and targeting a Puma Naval helicopter on board the “King Ferdinand” frigate.
The end of the exercise will be marked by the parade of military ships and aircraft, sailing ships and civilian boats, and the guard of honor will parade on the waterfront of the Fleet Command, to the tunes of the Military Music of the Naval Forces.
In the evening, from 20:00, the Military Music of the Naval Forces will delight the public with a mini-concert, on the seafront in front of the Fleet Command, which will be followed by the lighting of the electric flag on the military ships and the torchlight retreat of the military sailors on route Porta 1 – Fleet Command – Piața Ovidiu, where the musical group will perform a concert.
The Day of the Romanian Navy will end with a fireworks show offered by the Constanța City Hall, which can be watched from the Ovidiu Square – Tomis Tourist Port area.
