Romania – US Partnership Reconfirmed
The Romanian and US presidents commit to acting together, as friends and allies, in order to advance the strategic partnership between their countries
Ştefan Stoica, 21.08.2019, 13:55
On Tuesday in Washington, the Romanian president Klaus Iohannis met for the second time the US president Donald Trump. The meeting resulted in a joint statement, in which the two leaders promise to deepen what they describe as “our robust and durable strategic partnership.” “Through our deepening partnership, we will create new opportunities for greater security, growth, and prosperity and be in better position to respond to shared global challenges and responsibilities”, the statement reads.
The document also recalls the December 1989 anti-Communist Revolution, when the Romanians overthrew a brutal dictatorship and set their country on the path to democracy, the rule of law and market economy. It also marks the 15th anniversary of Romanias accession to NATO.
“Together”, the statement also reads, “our nations have carried out lasting efforts to modernize our armed forces and meet our NATO burden-sharing commitments. Our militaries stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of freedom and look to bolster our defense and deterrence posture on NATOs Eastern Flank, including in the Black Sea, which is of strategic importance for transatlantic security,” the two leaders stress in the statement. Also, they give assurances that both countries seek to avoid the security risks that accompany Chinese investment in 5G telecommunications networks.
One sensitive issue approached at the meeting was energy security, and the joint statement reflects that, stating that “The United States and Romania recognize that energy security is national security. We underscore our opposition to Nord Stream 2 and other projects that make our Allies and partners dependent on energy from Russia. Natural gas resources in Romania have the potential to increase the prosperity of our nations and to enhance Europes energy security. The United States and Romania will consider how best to improve the energy investment climate in Romania in ways that benefit both countries.”
The Romanian and US leaders also highlight the two countries excellent law enforcement and anti-corruption partnership, which is firmly based on a mutual commitment to the rule of law and an independent judiciary.
In the same statement, the United States and Romania underscore the substantial trade growth between the two countries, as well as their common interest in shaping an investment climate “that offers transparency, predictability and stability”. Therefore, the two parties “commit to strengthening their trade relationship further and to encouraging increased two-way investment”.
Here is Romanian president Klaus Iohannis:
“We need to do more with regard to both trade and investment. Its important to find new ways to extend economic cooperation in fields such as energy, cyber security and defense. In fact, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the two governments on 5G technology, given the importance of the security of telecommunications networks.”
The two leaders also discussed the visa regime for Romanian citizens, and the statement reads that “the United States reiterates its support for Romanias efforts to become eligible for entry into the Visa Waver Program in accordance with the requirements of United States law. (translated by M. Ignatescu)
