国际英语新闻：Joining U.S. missile defense system priority of Romania's defense policy: defense minister

BUCHAREST, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Joining the United States' missile defense system is a priority of Romania's defense policy, said Thursday Romanian Defense Minister Gabriel Oprea, stressing that it is a major contribution to boosting the country's security.

The minister underscored that the U.S. decision to invite Romania to join the missile defense system is a confirmation of excellent cooperation between the two armed forces as part of the military dimension of the Romanian-U.S. partnership.

"This invitation is consolidating the Romanian-U.S. strategic partnership and is the outcome of conjugated efforts of the institutions dealing with national defense and security matters," Oprea said in a press release issued on Thursday.

"In the period immediately ahead, bilateral negotiations will be initiated between Romanian and U.S. diplomatic and military experts that will lead to the conclusion of agreements that will be submitted to the Romanian Parliament for ratification," he added.

According to Oprea, by joining the defense system, Romania's national territory will be fully covered against any threats of ballistic missile strikes.

Romanian President Traian Basescu announced earlier that the Supreme Council for National Defense decided on Thursday to participate in the development of the U.S. missile defense system and host ground-based interception elements on its territory.