Iohannis at SIE anniversary: You have important role in defending democracy, rule of law

President Klaus Iohannis stressed on Wednesday the role of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) in defending democracy and the rule of law, on the service’s 27th anniversary.

“I am aware of the difficulties you are facing, from lack of staff and materials, from an outdated legislation that does not fully meet the current and security challenges. I acknowledge the way the institution evolved in this period, adapting their preparations and intervention according to types of risks and threats and I assure you that your efforts are appreciated and acknowledged at their just value,” Iohannis said.

“Such a complex activity as that carried by you requires a maximum level of professionalism and dedication, experience and involvement – key elements of the profile of intelligence officers in general – which must apply not only to staff – but also to its senior officers. As fighters in a democracy, you have an extremely important role in defending it and of the rule of law,” Iohannis said in a message sent at the institution’s anniversary, cited in a statement by the Presidential Administration.

Iohannis added that SIE is an important structure of the nationals security system and sent his appreciation to representatives of the service for its activity. “You are carrying out you duty fully, with efficiency and thoroughness, your professionalism contributing to ensuring the security climate of the Romanian state,” Iohannis said.

According to the head of state, in the current international context, but especially in the regional one, the Foreign Intelligence Service “took on the prominent role on the foreign intelligence dimension, defining itself as a credible partner in the euro-atlantic intelligence dimension.”

“Romania has multiple strategc interests, both in the perspective of the strategic partnership with the US and the European allies, as well as in other regions, from the neighboring one to those further away, in the Middle East and North of Africa, as well as in Asia.”

Georgeta Gheorghe