It was not all meetings for the NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen during his official visit to Romania last week. Before his official talks with the Romanian president, PM and ministers, Rasmussen found time for a jogging session in the Carol park downtown Bucharest. Rasmussen posted some pictures on his Facebook profile, saying it was an excellent morning run. The NATO Secretary General often starts his visits in various parts of the world with a morning jogging session.

He then went on to meet top Romanian government officials in Bucharest on Friday, May 24, with whom he discussed the Allied-led mission in Afghanistan, Smart Defense and NATO’s Open Door policy. The issue of defense spending amid difficult economic times was also discussed. The Secretary General welcomed Romania’s recent decision to increase defense expenditure with the aim to reach two percent of gross domestic product by 2016.

He wrapped up his visit with a speech at the University of Bucharest, where he stressed that NATO will keep its door open for new members to help ensure a whole, free and at peace Europe. Fogh Rasmussen also received a doctorate honoris causa for his leadership in Denmark, in Europe and in NATO.

editor@romania-insider.com

(photos: Fogh Rasmussen's Facebook profile)