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Iohannis: We want to increase US presence in our region, in all its aspects
President Klaus Iohannis said on Tuesday that Romania wants to increase the US presence in the region in all its aspects - military, economic, energy and political.
"The development and deepening of our Strategic Partnership with the United States of America is a pillar whose relevance is being reconfirmed and consolidated. We are deeply committed to maintaining and strengthening the transatlantic relationship. At the same time, we want to increase the US presence in our region, in all its aspects: military, economic, energy and political," said President Iohannis, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, at the meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions, heads of consular offices and directors of Romanian cultural institutes.
He also said that Romania will continue to work together with its US partners towards the common goal of Romania's accession to the Visa Waiver Program.
The head of state reiterated that, as far as Romania's role in NATO is concerned, the country achieved all its objectives at the Vilnius Summit.
"We have taken decisive steps in strengthening our collective security, and your task is to act decisively to implement the Summit decisions. For any security threat that could affect Romania, the Alliance has, thanks to the adoption of the new defence plans, a ready response, tailored to its needs. The necessary framework has also been created to bring the battle groups, including the Romanian one, to brigade level, with reinforcement forces, if the situation so requires. At the same time, we will speed up the processes related to the pre-positioning of equipment. I repeat: Romania and its citizens now benefit from the highest degree of security and defence in our history," said Iohannis.
He also mentioned that Romania will continue to ensure the fulfillment of its national commitments, in close coordination with its allies, including within the framework of the Bucharest 9 format, which has proven its usefulness in ensuring effective coordination on the Eastern flank.
"I also welcome the reconfirmation of the strategic importance of the Black Sea and encourage you to continue your efforts to strengthen its place on the NATO agenda. Developments such as the prominence of the region in global efforts to ensure the transfer of Ukrainian grain to international markets can facilitate these efforts. The completion by the United States of the Black Sea Security Strategy, to which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a substantial contribution, also contributes in the same direction. Its implementation will give even more substance to our cooperation in the region," Iohannis told the Romanian diplomats.