ForMin Aurescu, Romanian-American Business Council discuss enhancing economic ties

Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu on Thursday welcomed a delegation of the Romanian-American Business Council (AMRO) led by AMRO Executive Chairman Eric Stewart to discuss the recent developments in and prospects for Romanian-American co-operation with emphasis on enhancing the economic dimension of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US.
"The meeting took place in the context of AMRO's annual visit to Romania (March 15-16, 2023), and this year's delegation was made up of representatives of 15 major American companies. During the discussion, the latest developments in and prospects for Romanian-American co-operation were discussed, with emphasis on enhancing the economic dimension of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US. The AMRO mission takes place one day after the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue (March 14, 2023)," the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE) said in a press statement released on Thursday.
Aurescu welcomed the AMRO mission, which is the 10th such mission since the establishment of the Romanian-American Business Council, and mentioned a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Blinken during the past week in preparation for the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue between Romania and the US, a reflection of the level and depth of the strategic partnership relations between Romania and the US, as well as the commitment to achieving common objectives.
"Minister Aurescu also emphasised his special appreciation for Romania's constant and fruitful dialogue with AMRO, as well as for the support given over time by the Romanian-American Business Council to advancing priority files for Romania, such as the opening of accession negotiations with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Dialogue (OECD)."
With reference to the existing business ties, including commercial, bilateral relations, which according to US statistics exceeded 5 billion US dollars in 2022, Aurescu mentioned "the interest in using it to a maximum, including in terms of bilateral investment."
"The head of the Romanian diplomacy pleaded for the intensification and diversification of American investment in Romania, as well as Romania's interest in participating in the creation of safe and predictable supply chains that include reliable partners."
MAE quotes AMRO's Eric Stewart as praising the Romanian national administration for their openness to dialogue, the level and intensity of the Romanian-American relationship, as reflected in the consistency of the programme, the substance of the discussions and the level of the AMRO meetings in Romania.
"Also, he confirmed AMRO's intention to continue to support, in the dialogue with the US administration, the need to further strengthen the strategic partnership with Romania, including in terms of priority files for Romania, such as access to the Visa Waiver Program. He added that AMRO will support Romania's efforts to join the Schengen area," according to MAE.