"We will not be deterred from trying to strengthen our presence from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea"

RADIO ROMANIA NEWS - The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said that there is no better time and place for the NATO meeting than Romania. He promised that the United States will support our country to strengthen its security in the Black Sea. The American official met yesterday morning with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, and during the joint press conference, the head of diplomacy from Bucharest emphasized that the bilateral strategic partnership is an essential pillar of Romania's foreign and security policy and highlighted its importance in ensuring the security of our country, especially in the context of the current security challenges in the Black Sea region.

Oana Bala transmitted: "The Black Sea region is a critical component of NATO's defense, of the Alliance's strategy," said the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and recalled that more than 3.000 US soldiers are stationed in our country. The American official also stated that the United States collaborates with NATO to strengthen the Black Sea strategy, and Romania has a vital contribution in this regard.

Antony Blinken: "Russia has turned this sea into a war zone. We saw missiles launched from ships attacking Ukraine, Russian forces blocking ports in Ukraine, creating the worst crisis in years. Fortunately, we were able to resume transportation on the Black Sea, the important transportation of grain from Ukraine to the rest of the world. We will not be deterred from trying to strengthen our presence from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea."

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, stated that the visit of the American Secretary of State to Bucharest comes at a symbolic moment, because in 2022 it will be 25 years since the launch of the Romanian-American strategic partnership, a very dynamic partnership.

Bogdan Aurescu: "Our common assessment is that this partnership is more solid than ever, a fact confirmed by the numerous joint decisions and projects of strategic nature, which bring mutual benefits to Romanian and American citizens, whether we are talking about security, economy or energy. Also, it must be said very clearly that the common objective of Romania and the United States is to further develop and deepen this strategic partnership."

In the discussions with the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, the head of Romanian diplomacy recalled the need to include Romania in the Visa Waiver program and the interest of our country to work closely with the United States for its accession to this program."

Translated by: Radu Matei