Iohannis: SRI has a key role in protecting democratic values

President Klaus Iohannis sent a message on the occasion of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), stating that the SRI has an essential role in protecting democratic values ​​and promoting the national interests of Romania and its allies, in achieving national security, in ensuring respect for rights and citizen's freedoms and in defense of the rule of law.

Klaus Iohannis adds that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the order of priorities for many Romanian institutions and the SRI has fulfilled its constitutional and legal role at high levels of performance, including in anticipation of security issues.

President Iohannis says Russia's illegal military aggression against Ukraine is forcing institutions to focus on the new neighborhood crisis and reduce the risks to its national security. Klaus Iohannis mentions the cyber, energy and food risks, to which are added the phenomenon of illegal migration, international terrorism, but also the phenomena generated by environmental threats.

Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca also conveyed in a SRI Day message that the complex situation generated by the Russian military aggression in Ukraine, superimposed on the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, brings new challenges.

The Prime Minister explained that the guarantee of citizen security is extended in this context and implies security and protection in social and economic plans, but also in terms of cyberspace and information.

The Prime Minister added that the natural expectations and concerns of the people must be found in the actions of the Romanian state and that the current security context involves the preventive and gradual extension of the security umbrella and protection of Romanian citizens, through coordinated actions.

Translated by: Radu Matei