The partnership between the United States of America and Romania has never been stronger and more important, said the US ambassador to Bucharest, Darryl Nirenberg, in an interview for Agerpres.
This is the first interview that the American diplomat gives to the Romanian media since assuming the mandate in our country.
Nirenberg emphasized that Romania “is an incredible partner of the United States and the role it plays is essential especially in the Black Sea region and on the Eastern Flank” of the North Atlantic Alliance.
“We have a strong Strategic Partnership, which will be 30 years old next year. It is a broad partnership – it covers the fields of defense, security, law enforcement, but also trade relations and people-to-people relations. I am proud of that, and I am even more proud to participate in President Trump's America First foreign policy plan, which is based on sovereignty and which aims to make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. So, in the case of Romania, we look at our common interests, to our common values, which derive from Western society, and we intend to strengthen our relations and promote respect for fundamental freedoms,” the American diplomat said.
“Romania is an important ally”
Nirenberg emphasized that the US is grateful to Romania for its role in hosting American troops, including at the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, where aircraft are deployed to support operations in the Middle East. He also indicated that our country is an important partner within the Alliance.
“Romania is an important ally due in part to its location, but also because it intensified its contribution, exceeded the commitment of 2% (allocation of GDP for Defense – no) and supported the USA at the NATO Summit in The Hague, last year, to bring the commitment of the allied countries to 5% and is on the way to reach this allocation”, Nirenberg pointed out.
Asked about a possible participation of President Donald Trump in the B9 summit in Bucharest in May, the diplomat said that he had no information in this regard.
Relationship 'evolving between President Dan and President Trump'
Nirenberg also stated that he has no additional information regarding a bilateral meeting between the Romanian and American presidents in Washington DC, but emphasized that “it is an evolving relationship between President Dan and President Trump.”
“We were pleased to see President Dan at the inaugural session of the Peace Council, when he spent time with President Trump and, separately, with Secretary Rubio. I understand that President Trump was conveyed Romania's openness to help. The First Lady (Mirabela Grădinaru, life partner of the Romanian President – no) was present last week at the event initiated by the First Lady of the USA, Melania Trump, she had an intervention that was very good received”, the US ambassador in Bucharest also declared.
Regarding the Visa Waiver program, Nirenberg said Romania “is welcome to sign up.”
Romania has the potential “to revolutionize the energy field”
At the same time, the American ambassador specified that our country has the potential “to revolutionize the energy field in Central and Eastern Europe, in terms of reducing dependence on Russia.”
“As President Trump said, energy security means national security, and energy is the key to economic development. Romania has several resources that it exploits, others that it will exploit. The nuclear program is promising and we are happy that the US is contributing technology and companies to restore the reactors at Cernavoda,” said the diplomat.
According to the American diplomat, a priority of his mandate in Romania is economic opportunities.
“I am committed to promoting American business, to create jobs in both the U.S. and Romania, and to strengthen our ties for the benefit of both nations,” said Nirenberg.
