"Romania is and will remain a pillar of transatlantic cohesion on NATO's Eastern flank"

After the talks with the delegation of American congressmen, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu emphasized in a press release that "the United States remains an indispensable ally in ensuring security in Europe. Romania is and will remain a pillar of transatlantic cohesion on NATO's eastern flank, the closest, most active ally of the United States in the Black Sea region".

The Head of Government also stated that during the talks, he emphasized the Government's firm commitment to defend democracy, Romania's Euro-Atlantic orientation, to ensure the fairness and transparency of democratic processes, as well as to guarantee freedom of expression.

We recall that also at the Cotroceni Palace discussions, interim President Ilie Bolojan stressed that regarding the 2024 electoral process, Romania has learned the necessary lessons and state institutions are now committed to ensuring that the elections are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, in full compliance with democratic standards.

According to the press release issued by the Presidency, Ilie Bolojan emphasized the importance of strengthening the American presence in Romania, especially in the context of the current security challenges in the Black Sea region, and underlined Romania's active contribution to the security of NATO's Eastern flank, where close cooperation with the United States is essential for effective deterrence.

The inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver Program, Ilie Bolojan underlined, is a priority on the bilateral agenda and an expectation of Romanian citizens, and expressed the full willingness of Romania to cooperate with the American authorities in order to finalize this process within a reasonable timeframe and with a positive outcome.

Translated by: Radu Matei