Soldiers take part in a joint military exercise in Smardan firing range, southeastern Romania, on May 11, 2021. Presidents of Romania and Poland attended on Tuesday the joint military exercise within the "Justice Sword 21" drills in Smardan firing range, according to a press release from the Romanian Presidential Administration. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

BUCHAREST, May 11  -- Presidents of Romania and Poland attended on Tuesday a joint military exercise within the "Justice Sword 21" drills in Smardan firing range, southeastern Romania, according to a press release from the Romanian Presidential Administration.

"It is for us, on the Eastern flank of NATO, extremely important to have well trained forces, well trained for defense. We are preparing for defense on the Eastern flank," the press release quoted Romanian President Klaus Iohannis as saying at the military exercise.

"It's very important for our soldiers and for the Romanian soldiers that they can see each other and they can work together with their colleagues," said Polish President Andrzej Duda, who is on an official visit to Romania.

Poland took part in this exercise with forces and military equipment deployed in Romania, said the Romanian Defense Ministry in a press release.