Hans Klemm swore in as the next U.S. Ambassador to Romania in a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State in Washington on Wednesday, in the presence of the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and of the Romanian appointed ambassador to U.S. George Maior.
John Kerry said in his speech that Romania is a reliable partner of the U.S., underlining the excellent relation between the two states and the partnership in promoting regional and world stability.
The U.S. Secretary of State pointed out that the bilateral economic and commercial relations should be fathomed, arguing Romania has one of the most increased economic growth rates in Europe. Kerry also showed Romania is a good example on fighting corruption to the neighboring countries.
In his turn, the new American ambassador underlined that our country is a trustful partner for U.S. and NATO, pledging that, as ambassador, will focus on developing the bilateral trade and on offering assistance in the anti-corruption fight.
Hans G. Klemm, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, served as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Management at the Department of State, a position he has held since January, 2015.
Previously, Ambassador Klemm served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Department’s Bureau of Human Resources from 2012 to 2015. Before that, he was Senior Coordinator for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in 2012, and Senior Coordinator for Rule of Law and Law Enforcement at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan from 2010 to 2012.
He also served as the U.S. Ambassador to Timor-Leste from 2007 to 2010. Prior to that, Ambassador Klemm served as Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan from 2006 to 2007, and as Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Career Development in the Bureau of Human Resources from 2004 to 2006. He was a participant in the Senior Seminar at the Department’s Foreign Service Institute from 2003 to 2004, Director of the Office of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Textile Trade Affairs in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs from 2001 to 2003, and Deputy Director of the Office of European Union and Regional Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs from 2000 to 2001. Ambassador Klemm’s earlier assignments with the Department of State included postings in Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Trinidad and Tobago. Ambassador Klemm received a B.A. from Indiana University and an M.A. from Stanford University.
The last envoy in Romania was Mark Gitenstein, who concluded his mandate on December 14, 2012.