The 44th SEDM-CC and 45th PMSC Meetings of the SEDM Initiative were held under the Albanian Chairmanship, via Videoconference,on 17th March 2021, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Representatives from 14 SEDM Member Nations, SEEBRIG’s Commander and representatives from international and regional organizations such as UNDP SEESAC and RACVIAC participated in the meetings, chaired by the Director of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat, Mr. Gjergji METHOXHA.

The Director of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat underlined in his speech that SEDM processis a successful story and continues to be a real proof of consolidated bridges of friendship and cooperation between our nations.Through the SEDM Process, we have achieved a lot during all these years by working together, honoring our commitments and further strengthening the political-military cooperation in our region. He outlined important matters finalized during the SEDM Albanian Chairmanship.    

The 44th SEDM-CC Meeting was focused on the developments of the SEDM projects as well on the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. The SEDM-CC participants has been informed by Athens representative about the “Interconnection of Military Hospital (IMIHO)” Project, which has further enhanced the cooperation between military hospitals among health care personnel on areas of common interest and benefits, with special focus on COVID-19 pandemic; about the developments of Female Leaders in Security and Defence Project (FLSD) by Rome representative, as well as regarding the further development of the SEDM Permanent Portal (SEDM Portal project)by Bucharest and Athens representatives.

The Director of SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat updated the participants regarding the future Hand-Over Take-Over of the SEDM Secretariat from Tirana to Sofia. He outlined that in the beginning of this year it has started an exchange of information from the SEDM Secretariat to the next Secretariat. The SEDM Secretariat has delivered to Sofia an executive report of all our experience in chairing the SEDM Secretariat. Moreover, a meeting between the SEDM Secretariat and Sofia has been performed virtually on 12 February 2021. In June 2021, another Coordination Meeting between two Secretariats is planned to be performed.

During the 45th PMSC Meeting, SEEBRIG’s Commander Brigadier Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS presented a detailed update about SEEBRIG’s main activities since the last PMSC meeting. He highlighted the Annual Report 2020 activities, the implications of COVID-19 pandemic on SEEBRIG activities, the future activities, as well as the financial and personnel issues and about SEEBRIG’s future perspectives. He outlined SEEBRIG’srequest for the cancellation of the Exercise “Seven Stars 2021”.

Based on the feedback of the member Nations, the PMSC endorsedthe cancellation of SEEBRIG’s Exercise “Seven Stars 2021”.

Concerning the Hand Over-Take Over of SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairmanship and the Celebration of 22th SEEBRIG’s Anniversary, SEEBRIG’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Zlatko GJORGJIOVSKI briefed the PMSC about these two important events, which will take place at Camp “BoroMenkov”, on 26 August 2021, in Kumanovo, North Macedonia.

At the end, the Director emphasized the fact that the experience gained so far is significant in order to maintain the efficiency of the regional cooperation while increasing SEEBRIG’s potentials and extended his full cooperation to the incoming SEDM Bulgarian Chairmanship

The participants expressed their appreciation to SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat and to SEDM Portal Technical Working Group for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting via VTC the SEDM-CC/PMSC Meetings.

 

The 13^th Interconnection of Military Hospitals (IMIHO) Users’ Meeting took place virtually on 17 December 2020, in collaboration with “Celio” Military Hospital in Rome. A Webinar was executed via IMIHO dedicated teleconference platform, that focused on the contributions, challenges and experiences of the Military health care personnel during the ongoing pandemic crisis.    

Participants from seven Nations, as well as the SEDM Secretariat had the opportunity to receive an extensive briefing, composed of diverse and informational presentations on COVID-19 related topics, such as national perspectives and military contribution, evacuation of patients, diagnosis, triage/bed allocation priority and software development.  The duration of the Webinar was extended, due to the enthusiastic willingness of Participants to engage into conversation and exchange their expert opinions, views and experiences, as well as elaborate on lessons learned and way-ahead.

The 31^st IMIHO Technical Working Group Meeting took place virtually on 18 December 2020. During the event, the IMIHO Chairman elaborated on the significant progress and tangible outcomes achieved during the last months, as well as the planned way-ahead. A fruitful dialog produced several action items of common interest and benefits. Specific actions were decided, aiming at further enriching the IMIHO Portal, enhancing functions and services offered at no cost to users, including subprojects, webinars and online medical training, both theoretical and practical. Furthermore, a new version of the IMIHO website is under development, with substantial results, by utilizing new internet technologies, open-source software, mobile technologies and based on best practices, lessons learned and user feedback.

The participants would like to express their gratitude to “Celio” Hospital personnel for the excellent presentations and superb organization of the event. Also, special thanks to SEDM Secretariat for the support, as well as all participants for the cordial cooperation.

We hope that these multinational activities will bring the national health care communities closer, provide an online medium for information and expertise exchange, while conducting training, fostering scientific and academic collaboration among professionals of the Health Care Institutions, serving Military personnel. Finally, it is our hope that the Webinar and future activities will help towards bringing soon an end to the ongoing pandemic situation. 

More information and recorded material will be available at theat the IMIHO Portal soon.

 

Bucharest, as host nation of Female Leaders in Security and Defence (FLSD) Project, organized on Thursday, 5 November 2020, the International Conference “Gender equality - 20 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The impact on the security and defence sector” in order to promote the gender dimension.

The event, organized via use of SEDM videoconference system, took place under the auspices of the Process of Meetings of Defence Ministers of Southeast Europe (SEDM) and was part of the set of actions undertaken by Bucharest, as a nation-leader, to further develop the project "Women Leader in the field of Security and Defence”. Our country is, after 2017, for the second time the host of an international conference dedicated to the promotion of gender equality.

,,This anniversary it happening in a year with a double significance – the 75th anniversary of the UN and its founding Charter and 65th anniversary of Romania’s accession to the organization”  said Secretary of State Simona Cojocaru, Head of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations within the Ministry of National Defence.

The Secretary of State stated that, based on national legal framework, Romanian MoD  promotes and supports fair and balanced access at all hierarchical levels for men and women, military or civilian personnel, to both leading and executive positions, with the observance of complying with performance selection criteria.,, Therefore, there are no restrictions regarding women’s participation and selection for positions in the MoD, specific to permanent missions from the Military Representations of Romania to international organizations, or temporary missions specific to commanding or executive structures deployed abroad”, concluded the Head of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations.

The conference was attended by experts from SEDM Member – Tirana, Sarajevo, Athens, Rome, Skopje, Podgorica, Ljubljana and Ankara, representatives of the UN, NATO and the Centre for Security Cooperation in South Eastern Europe (RACVIAC).

The event was also attended by representatives of public institutions that contributed to the development of programmatic documents on gender issues, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, as well as representatives of civil society.

In the same context, of the activities organized at national level to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UNSCR 1325, were released publicly the National Strategy and the National Action Plan on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2000), Women , Peace and Security, for the period 2020-2023, approved by Government Decision no. 561/2020.

At the Ministry of National Defence, the two decades since the adoption of the UN Resolution on Women, Peace and Security were marked on Wednesday, November 4, by naming "Smaranda Brăescu" (the first woman parachutist with a patent in Romania, European and world champion in parachuting) the conference room of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defence.

The conference was an opportunity to reaffirm, at international level, the role of women in the prevention and resolution of military conflicts, in the promotion of peace and security, as well as in the political and military decision-making process.

The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting has been performed on 14th October 2020, via Video Teleconference, using the SEDM Portal.

Deputy Ministers of Defence/representatives from 13 SEDM Nations, SEEBRIG Commander and representatives from RACVIAC, RCC and UNDP SEESAC participated in the Meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence of Albania/Chairman of SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat, H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI and Deputy Minister of National Defense of Greece H.E. Mr. Alkiviadis STEFANIS.

The SEDM Chairman H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI and H.E. Mr. Alkiviadis STEFANIS opened the Meeting and delivered their speeches underlining the importance of the moment.

In the beginning, SEDM Chairman addressed the impact and the challenges posed by COVID-19 virus as a global health crisis and expressed that our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, and with all those who suffers from the pandemic.

SEDM Chairman gave a rundown on the latest developments on SEDM-CC Projects and PMSC activities since the last SEDM Ministerial Meeting highlighting the achievements obtained within the SEDM process under the Albanian Chairmanship. 

COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS, gave an update on SEEBRIG’s activities since the last SEDM Ministerial meeting and presented the documents to be approved by Deputy Ministers of Defence of MPFSEE Nations.

Deputy Ministers of Defence and representatives from SEDM Nations welcomed the achievements of SEEBRIG Brigade and acknowledged the contribution of this Brigade as important tool for promoting regional security, stability, cooperation and fostering good neighborly relations among countries in the region.

SEDM nation’s representatives expressed their views on the future of SEDM Initiative and underlined that SEDM Initiative has strengthened the relations between the countries and has contributed to their efforts for a common European and Euro-Atlantic future.

The representatives reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of this initiative through increased co-operation between member nations and through specific projects within this initiative.

At the end, the Deputy Ministers of Defence/representatives approved the “Joint Statement” of the Ministers of Defense of the SEDM member nations.

Finally, the nations expressed their appreciation to Athens and SEDM Portal Technical Working and to the SEDM Secretariat for the tireless efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual SEDM Ministerial Meeting via Video Teleconference.

The full joint statement is available here.

The 43rd SEDM-CC and 44th PMSC Meetings of the SEDM Initiative were held under the Albanian Chairmanship via videoconference on 23 and 24 September 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Representatives from 13 SEDM member nations, SEEBRIG’s Commander and representatives from international and regional organizations such as NATO, UNDP SEESAC, RCC and RACVIAC participated in the meetings, chaired by H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the Chairman of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat/ Deputy Minister of Defense.

The Chairman highlighted in his speech that during all these years, our cooperation has strengthened the relations among our nations and has contributed to the efforts towards a common Euro-Atlantic future. He underlined that the experience we gained so far it is significant in order to maintain the efficiency of the regional cooperation and increasing SEEBRIG’s potentials.

The 43rd SEDM-CC Meeting was focused on the developments of the projects as well on the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. Respectively the “Interconnection of Military Hospital (IMIHO)” project will further enhance the cooperation between military hospitals by enhancing the cooperation on topics of mutual interest and benefits; the promotion of Female Leaders in Security and Defence Project (FLSD), by supporting the implementation of UNSCR Resolution 1325; the promotion of transparent institutions by the implementation of the principles of transparency and integrity (Building Integrity in Defence project); as well as by the further development of the SEDM Portal (SEDM Portal project).

During the 44th PMSC meeting, SEEBRIG’s Commander Brigadier Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS presented an update on SEEBRIG activities and future activities, highlighted the main elements of SEEBRIG’S Annual Plan 2021, new timeline of the Exercise “Seven Stars-21”, went through the major points of the Budget Plan for the Fiscal Year 2021 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2021-2023. COMSEEBRIG shared with PMSC his vision for the next 3-years and addressed some manning issues. PMSC endorsed SEEBRIG’s Annual Plan and Budget Plan 2021, which will be submitted to upcoming Defense Ministerial for its approval.

At the end, the participants expressed their appreciation to SEDM Secretariat and SEDM Portal Technical Working Group for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting via VTC the SEDM-CC/PMSC Meetings.

On 26 August 2020, SEEBRIG HQ supported by Host Nation, North Macedonia, organized a triple ceremony in order to celebrate the activation of SEEBRIG, HO-TO of the Command and the 21 Anniversary of SEEBRIG in Kumanovo.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Stevo PENDAROVSKI, the Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Oliver SPAVOSKI, the Defense Minister Madame Radmila ŠEKERINSKA, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson/Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Lieutenant General Vasko GJURCHINOVSKI, Deputy Ministers of Defense and Deputy Chiefs of Defense from MPFSEE Nations, Ambassadors and Defense Attachés accredited in North Macedonia, local authorities’ representatives, SEEBRIG HQ personnel and their families where present at the event.

Host Nation Representative, Defense Minister Madame Radmila ŠEKERINSKA, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the current COMSEEBRIG Brigadier General Tudorica PETRACHE and the new COMSEEBRIG Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS delivered their speeches underlining the importance of the moment.

On this occasion, the SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman expressed his gratitude to Greece for the strong support given by the Greek civilian and military authorities to SEEBRIG HQ since 2011, which contributed greatly to the success of SEEBRIG achievements. In the same time, he conveyed his deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts made by the Republic of North Macedonia in hosting SEEBRIG Headquarters in Kumanovo, which will be the “home” of the Command of SEEBRIG for the next 6 years.

SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman noted that after 21 years of existence SEEBRIG is a successful story, as since its establishment, proved to be an effective and important tool for promoting regional security, stability, cooperation and fostering good neighborly relations among countries in the region.

He expressed deepest appreciation to COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier General Tudorica PETRACHE and his team for their tireless efforts to provide the most qualified and professional standards of all their activities and for their outstanding work to further ensure the success story of SEEBRIG. He also expressed his confidence that the new COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS and his staff will also continue the efforts to reach great achievements and wished him success in the future for SEEBRIG activities.

During the ceremony, the Commander of SEEBRIG, Brigadier General Tudorica PETRACHE was awarded by the Chairman of SEDM-CC/PMSC H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, with “SEEBRIG Accomplishment Medal” for his outstanding performance during his Tour of Duty.

In accordance with MPFSEE Agreement, SEEBRIG was established and activated by seven participating Nations, on 31st of August 1999 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (1999-2003) and was then hosted in Constanta, Romania (2003-2007), later in Istanbul, Turkey (2007-2011) and afterwards in Tyrnavos Larissa, Greece (2011-2020) and now is currently located in Kumanovo, North Macedonia (2020-2026).

On 07 August 2020, SEEBRIG HQ supported by Host Nation, Greece, organized the Farewell Ceremony in order to celebrate completing of nine years Tour of Duty in Tyrnavos/Larissa, Greece.

SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson/Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, Deputy Minister of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense, H.E. Mr.  Alkiviadis STEFANIS, delegations from MPFSEE Nations, high ranking military officials from Host Nation, local authorities’ representatives, SEEBRIG HQ personnel and their families where present at the event.

Host Nation Representative, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson and COMSEEBRIG delivered their speeches underlining the importance of the moment. On this occasion, the SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman expressed his deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts made by Greece in hosting SEEBRIG Headquarters since 2011. He expressed deep gratitude to the Greek civilian and military authorities for the excellent infrastructure and working conditions, cooperation and strong support to SEEBRIG HQ during the past nine years. 

During the ceremony, SEEBRIG personnel were awarded with “SEEBRIG Accomplishment Medal” for their performance during their Tour of Duty. 

The Deputy Chief of Defence Meeting (DCHODs) 2020 meeting has been performed on 3rd June 2020, via video conference.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/General Staff and representatives from 14 SEDM member nations, SEEBRIG Commander and the Director of RACVIAC, attended the meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Mr. Petro KOÇI, Chairman of the Albanian SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat.

The SEDM Chairman and the Deputy Chief of General Staff of Romania, Major General Vasile TOADER, as a host nation, kicked-off the DCHOD's meeting and delivered their welcoming opening remarks to the participants.

The purpose of this annual meeting is to foster constructive regional political-military cooperation in Southeast Europe (SEE), in order to further strengthen peace, stability, trust, prosperity and security in the region.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/ General Staff welcomed the achievements of the SEEBRIG Brigade and acknowledged the contribution of this Brigade to regional security and stability, becoming a unique platform for cooperation and mutual training.

The representatives reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of this initiative through increased co-operation between member nations.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/ General Staff stressed that the SEDM initiative has strengthened relations between the countries and has contributed to their efforts for a common European and Euro-Atlantic future.

Finally, the participants expressed their appreciation to the SEDM Secretariat and Bucharest for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual DCHODs Meeting and to the SEDM Portal Technical Working for the excellent support given in order to perform the DCHODs Meeting through video-conference.

The Joint statement is available by clicking here.

The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held in Bucharest on 16 October 2019.

Ministers and representatives from SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and observers from NATO HQ, RACVIAC and UNDP participated in the Meeting. SEDM Chairman H.E. Mr Petro KOÇI and Mr. Doru Claudian FRUNZULICA opened the Meeting with inspiring speeches.

SEDM nations expressed their good wishes to the Albanian Chairmanship and SEDM Secretariat, as well as their deepest appreciation to former SEDM Chairman Ambassador Elefterios ANGHELOPOULOS and Athens Secretariat for their contributions during their tenure.

The Meeting also marks the celebration of 20th anniversary of SEEBRIG'S activation, a unique platform for cooperation, mutual training, exchanging of ideas and lessons learned.

The meeting focused on promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region of Southeastern Europe (SEE), as well the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. Finally, SEDM nations reaffirmed their commitment to intensify good neighborly relations, strengthening political and military cooperation, with respect to international laws, treaties and agreements. Finally, the nations expressed their appreciation to Bucharest for the tireless efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual SEDM Ministerial Meeting. The full joint statement is available here.

The 42nd PMSC and 41st SEDM-CC Meetings of the South East Europe Defence Ministerial Process, chaired for the first time by the Albanian Chairmanship, took place from 17 to 19 September 2019 in Tirana.

Minister of Defence H.E.  Mrs. Olta XHAÇKA welcomed Representatives from 13 SEDM Nations, SEEBRIG and RACVIAC that participated in the Meetings, chaired by Deputy Minister H.E. Mr. Petro Koçi. 

Mr. Koçi stated his intention to work together with the member nations of the Initiative in order to make SEDM more relevant to the security challenges of our region, useful and effective in enhancing regional stability.

The Meetings were conducted in friendly spirit and mutual understanding. Various programs and initiatives were discussed, aiming at fostering international collaboration and promoting enduring-peace and security.

 

 

Dear Colleagues,

As we complete today our two years term of the SEDM Athens Chairmanship, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your enthusiastic cooperation, support and contribution to the fulfillment of the goals of our Ιnitiative.

With our work we have managed to accomplish our mission and promote the activities, vision and ideas of the Process, and have implemented the priorities of our program. Our common efforts were based on our fundamental principles, in full respect of International Law and with a view to strengthening stability and security in the region of Southeastern Europe and promote good neighborly relations.

I would also like to highlight the importance of the friendship bond that we have built together, confirming the words of Aristotle “friendship is essentially a partnership’’, the motto of the Athens Chairmanship.

Athens Chairmanship would also like to thank HQ SEEBRIG and COMSEEBRIG Brig.Gen. Tudorica PETRACHE, as well as the regional and international organizations engaged with the SEDM Process for their valuable input, continued support and active collaboration.

We present our best wishes to the incoming Tirana Chairmanship, for success in all their endeavors to the benefit of the member states of SEDM and our region.

 

The Deputies Chiefs of Defence from SEDM Nations and SEEBRIG, as well as representatives from NATO, RACVIAC and UNDP convened in Skopje, on 12 June 2019 to foster military cooperation in South Eastern Europe .

The participants reaffirmed their dedication to support SEDM activities that aim to further strengthen stability, security and prosperity in the region. They also expressed their appreciation to Athens Chairmanship for the efforts to coordinate many fruitful activities and extended their wishes for success to the upcoming Tirana Chairmanship.

During the Meeting, the 6th Additional Protocol of the MPFSEE Agreement was sighed. 

A Joint statement is available by clicking here.

 

The 41st PMSC, 40th SEDM-CC and 1st SEEDRO Meetings of the South East Europe Defence Ministerial Process, chaired by Athens, took place from 18 to 21 March 2019 in Chania, Crete.

Representatives from 12 SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and an observer from RACVIAC participated in the Meetings, chaired by H.E. Amb. Eleftherios ANGHELOPOULOS.

The Meetings were conducted in friendly spirit and mutual understanding. Various programs and initiatives were discussed, aiming at fostering international collaboration and promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region.

 

From 5 to 6 December 2018, the UN Women, Tbisili Ministry of Defence - the lead nation of the project female Leaders in Security and Defence (FLSD) within the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) initiative held the workshop “Female Leaders in Security and Defence-National Implementation of UN Resolution 1325”. The workshop was held at the Defence Institutional Building School in Tbilisi. The event was the part of the 16-days international campaign against gender-based violence running every year from November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls to December 10th on the day of International Human Rights. 

The first Deputy Minister of Defence Ms. Lela Chikovani addressed the participants and spoke about the implementation of UN Security Council 1325 and the following Resolutions by the MOD Georgia.  In the welcome address the Head of the UN Women Representative Ms. Erika Kvapilova and the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia Ms. Sopio Kiladze highlighted the importance of implementing international gender equality standards and mainstreaming for the better delivering on Women Peace and Security agenda.

During the first day of the workshop the participants discussed the topics regarding the Human Resources Policy, Capacity Development on gender mainstreaming and Gender Discrimination at workplace. On the second day the experts from the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations gave a presentation on Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

More information is available here.

It is our duty to inform you that the former SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman of Romanian presidency, Mr. Valeriu Nicuț, passed away. 
General (ret) Nicuț assumed the chairmanship of SEDM-CC/PMSC in March 2014, when he was appointed State secretary for defence policy within the ROU Ministry of National Defence.
The SEDM Chairmanship, as well as all members of our community who had the honor to work and collaborate with Mr. Nicuț, would like to offer condolences to his family.
He is fondly remembered as a man who always offered a word of encouragement word, as well as being prepared with a backup plan.

May Valeriu rest in peace.

A short CV follows:
General (ret) Valeriu Nicuț, who has died aged 63, served with Romanian Ministry of National Defence.
After graduating the Mountain Infantry Officer School in 1977, he was appointed Recconnaissance Platoon Commander and for the next 14 years he accomplished various positions within the 4th Mountain Infantry Bde. In 1992 he graduated the Command and Stsff College, and then he assumed a number of positions within the General Staff of Romanian Army. 

In 1999 he started to share his operational experience as associate professor within National Defence University, reaching the position of Commandant of Regional PfP Training Centre ROU-UK, in Bucharest.  During 2001-2004 he was the head of Partnership branch within the Multinational Cooperation Division in SHAPE, Mons, Belgium, from where he supported the accomplishment of technical criteria for Romania to join the North-Atlantic Alliance. Romania joined NATO, indeed, in 2004, and Valeriu was promoted to Brigadier General, assuming the position of J5 Strategic Planning Directorate head. 

In 2006 he returned to SHAPE as the representative of ROU General Staff, and after a three years tour he assumed various positions in the General Staff culminating with the one of DCHOD, in 2013, when he earned the 4th star and retired from active duty. It was only three months later when he was offered the position of State Secretary for defence policy, also assuming the honor of SEDM-CC/PMSC until the end of ROU mandate (2013-2015). In 2016 he chose to withdraw from the politic life and to dedicate all his time to his wife Ionela and his son, Alexandru. Unfortunatelly, in the summer of 2018 he was diagnosed with cancer and he passed away on December 5th, being burried two days later in the Military Cemetery Ghencea, Bucharest. 

Gen Nicuț was greatly respected and beloved by all who served with him. He had an inherent sense of comradery that allowed his trustees to take initiatives and grant the successes. He greatly supported the younger personnel, strongly believing that confidence is the key to further professional enlightment. He will be never forgotten by his peers and subordinates.

2018. The event, the ninth of a series conducted every two years since 2004, was hosted and chaired by Ankara, as well as co-chaired by Bucharest. Ankara, Athens, Kiev, Skopje, Bucharest with Kishinev participated in the exercise, as well as SEEBRIG and various organizations as observers.

The aim of the exercise was to establish the coordination, interoperability and cooperation between the military/civilian natural disaster/center of emergency units of SEDM member states and to ensure the development of assistance procedures. Also through the effective usage of computer modelling and simulation programs, the states strengthen their joint intervention skills in case of regional natural disasters and crises by working together.

The SEESIM 18 Exercise was executed simultaneously with the Main Exercise Control Center (EXCON) established in Istanbul at Multinational Joint Warfare Centre (MJWC) and the national forward EXCON’s located at Athens, Kiev, Skopje, and Bucharest via use of web based communication systems provided by SEDM and simulation systems provided by the host nation.

All participants agreed that SEESIM 18 provided a very useful environment to test response skills in the areas of humanitarian aid of man-made or natural disasters and cyber attacks, as well as reinforce the interoperability culture among the SEDM member states and SEEBRIG by gaining the experience and lessons learned from the previous exercises.

SEDM Director Major General Achillefs TAOUXIS thanked the Nations and especially MJWC and 3rd Corps personnel for the successful execution of the exercise, as well as the warm hospitality.

Dear all, 

With great sorrow, we must inform you that Brigadier General Dumitru PUFU passed away.

BG PUFU served as primary POC for Bucharest. As Head of delegation to various SEDM-CC and PMSC meetings, he always assisted the proceedings in a highly professional and cordial manner and he is fondly remembered by the SEDM Community.

The SEDM Chairmanship, as well as all members of our community who had the honor to work and collaborate with BG PUFU, would like to offer condolences to his family.

May Dumitru rest in peace.

A short CV follows:

Brigadier General Dumitru PUFU, who has died aged 56, served with Romanian Ministry of National Defence. 

After graduating the Engineering Officer School in 1984, he was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers. 

After commanding Engineer Squadrons at Constanta and Ramnicu Valcea from 1984 to 1991, he joined the Department for Defence Policy, where he was involved in the collective efforts for preparing the Romanian's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance. 

In 2000, he earned a Master's Degree in business administration focused on Defence Resource Management at the United States Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.

Between 2004 - 2008 he served as National Infrastructure Adviser with the Romanian Delegation to NATO.

In September 2012 he was appointed Head of International Defence Cooperation Directorate. From this position he headed the Romanian delegation to SEDM-CC and PMSC meetings.

In March 2016, he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general and retired from active duty.

Brig Gen PUFU was greatly respected by all who served with him. He readily delegated authority, appearing to allow his subordinates a very light rein, but in reality he would keep a very close eye on their performance.

Dumitru is survived by his wife Mihaela, son Andrei and daughter Delia.

Dear all,

The 10th IMIHO Users' Meeting took place on 13 Nov 18, hosted by the Military Medical Center and Public City Hospital, in Skopje. The Skopje State Secretaty, SEDM Director and representatives from Athens, Belgrade, Bucharest, Rome, Skopje and Sofia, along with a member from SEDM Secretariat participated in the event. The vision, ongoing and upcoming activities, as well as the functionality of the IMIHO portal were presented to the personnel. The IMIHO Chairman and the delegations had the opportunity to engage in conversation and witness the high professional level of the Hospitals' personnel during a tour of the hospital.

The 28th IMIHO Technical Working Group was conducted between 14-15 Nov 18. Prior to the Meeting, the participants visited the Balkan  Medical Force. During the TWG Meeting, the IMIHO Chairman elaborated on the significant progress and tangible outcomes achieved during the last months, as well as the planned way-ahead. A fruitful dialog produced several action items of common interest and benefits. Specific actions were decided, aiming at further enriching the IMIHO Portal, enhancing functions offered at no cost to users, including webinars and online training, documented in the Minutes.

The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held in Belgrade on October 11, 2018.

Ministers and representatives from SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and observers from NATO HQ, UN Office in Belgrade, UNDP/SEESAC, RACVIAC and RCC participated in the Meeting, chaired by H.E. Amb. Eleftherios ANGHELOPOULOS.

This event marks the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the MPFSEE Agreement and nations reiterated their commitment to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the SEDM Process through increased cooperation.

The meeting focused on promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region of Southeastern Europe (SEE), as well the achievements obtained within the SEDM process.

As the last meeting of the Athens SEDM Chairmanship, the nations expressed their appreciation to Athens, the SEDM-CC/ PMSC Chairman and the Secretariat for their efforts to coordinate fruitful meetings and activities, as well as extended their wishes for success to Tirana, being the Chair of SEDM-CC/ PMSC Secretariat during 2019-2021.

Finally, the nations expressed their appreciation to Belgrade for the tireless efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual SEDM Ministerial Meeting.

The full joint statement is available here.