Head of MI6 during Bucharest visit: Excellent collaboration with Romanian intelligence services

During a recent meeting in Bucharest with Romanian president Traian Basescu, the head of the British intelligence agency MI6, John Sawers (both in picture) said the collaboration between Romania and UK's intelligence services is 'excellent'. Received by Basescu at the presidential Cotroceni Palace, Sawers talked about fighting terrorism, information terrorism and other forms of illegal activities against citizens and member states of NATO. In recent years, Romania has become renowned for being an important NATO ally, according to the MI6 head. The meeting was also attended by Romanian Intelligence Service head George Maior, and his deputy Florian Coldea, as well as by the British ambassador to Romania, Martin Harris. Sir John Sawer, 59, has been the MI6 chief since 2009. Prior to that, he was UK’s ambassador at the United Nations for two years. From August 2003 until August 2007 he was the Political Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He also served two years in the Middle East, as Ambassador to Cairo, was Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair, dealing with all aspects of foreign and defense policy and headed the British Embassy team in Washington. Sir John Sawer was a member of the Secret Intelligence Service before joining the Diplomatic Service, and his early postings included Yemen, Syria and South Africa. editor@romania-insider.com