War in Ukraine: Florence Parly visits NATO soldiers stationed in Romania

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, March 6, 2022. AFP - DANIEL MIHAILESCU

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2 mins

More than 500 French soldiers have arrived in Romania in recent days to reinforce NATO's presence after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This “Aigle Mission” received this Sunday, March 6 the visit of the Romanian President and the French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly.

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From our special correspondent in Romania, 

Nicolas Falez

On the tarmac swept by an icy wind, the French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly is welcomed by the Romanian President Klaus Ioannis.

With helicopters and tanks for decor.

The huge Mihail Kogălniceanu base hosts NATO soldiers, whose camouflage varies according to their nationality: Americans, Germans, Romanians, Dutch, Italians, Belgians and also the 500 soldiers that France has just sent there.

“ 

The alliance does not threaten Russia 

In front of these troops of the Atlantic alliance, Florence Parly declared that Vladimir Putin had made "

the choice of war

", "

the choice of violence

".

“ 

The alliance is not threatening Russia, Europe is not threatening Russia, nobody is threatening Russia.

On the other hand, it is up to us to show Russia that our unity is flawless when it comes to defending our allies 

”, declared Florence Parly in front of a thousand soldiers.

And to add: “

 I am very proud to see French soldiers deployed today alongside Romanian, American, Belgian, Dutch, Italian and German soldiers on this base and under the banner of the Atlantic Alliance. 

".

“ 

You are the shield that protects Euro-Atlantic values

 ,” replied Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in particular.

►Also read: Crisis around Ukraine: an American detachment is in Romania

This NATO base is located about 200 km from the Ukrainian border.

A border through which thousands of refugees flock.

Florence Parly also paid tribute to Romania

for welcoming these new arrivals

.

For them you are the face of Europe

” declared the Minister for the Armed Forces.

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