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Klaus Iohannis, Romanian President: “It is time for Romania to take on even greater responsibility”
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Robert Ghement / EPA
There have been rumors for a long time that Klaus Iohannis may have ambitions for the post of NATO Secretary General.
Now Romania's President has confirmed this.
"I have decided to enter the competition for the position of Secretary General of NATO," he said in a televised speech.
Romania has proven that it is a "pillar of stability and security in the region," said Iohannis.
The country also unconditionally supports Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia.
The country already spends 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defense.
The country's army is being completely modernized at the same pace as that of its allies.
"I think it is time for Romania to take on even greater responsibility, it is a legitimate aspiration for a state that has undergone radical change," said Iohannis.
Romania is currently represented at the top of NATO by Mircea Geoana, who is NATO Deputy Secretary General.
Iohannis is not allowed to run for president again after two terms in office.
But he is only an outsider in the competition to succeed Jens Stoltenberg at the top of NATO.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is considered the favorite for the post.
Germany, the USA, Great Britain and France support his candidacy.
However, Hungary rejects Rutte's candidacy.
The decision must be supported by all members of the military alliance.
Stoltenberg's successor is expected to be announced before the NATO summit in Washington in July.
Stoltenberg is leaving his post on October 1 after a total of ten years, after his term of office was extended twice in view of the war in Ukraine.
ulz/sol/dpa/AFP