Update: US, Romanian Presidents adopt joint statement to strengthen the Strategic Partnership

Presidents of the United States and Romania, Donald Trump and Klaus Iohannis have adopted a joint statement in Washington on Tuesday, a key document for the development of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the US.

We stand together as friends and Allies to advance our robust and durable strategic partnership. Through our deepening partnership, we will create new opportunities for greater security, growth, and prosperity and be in better position to respond to shared global challenges and responsibilities,” says a press release by the White House.

The joint statement also recalled the 30th anniversary of the Romanian Revolution that overthrew the communist regime.

We recall the Revolution of 30 years ago this December when brave Romanians overthrew a brutal dictatorship and set their country on the path to democracy, the rule of law, and a market economy. This year, we also mark with pride the 15th anniversary of Romania’s accession to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The statement also referred to NATO, but also to “avoiding the risks” of Chinese investment in the 5G networks.

Together, our nations have carried out lasting efforts to modernize our armed forces and meet our NATO burden-sharing commitments. Our militaries stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of freedom and look to bolster our defense and deterrence posture on NATO’s Eastern Flank, including in the Black Sea, which is of strategic importance for transatlantic security. We also seek to avoid the security risks that accompany Chinese investment in 5G telecommunications networks.

The statement says that Romania’s natural gas resources can enhance Europe’s energy security.

The United States and Romania recognize that energy security is national security. We underscore our opposition to Nord Stream 2 and other projects that make our Allies and partners dependent on energy from Russia. Natural gas resources in Romania have the potential to increase the prosperity of our nations and to enhance Europe’s energy security. The United States and Romania will consider how best to improve the energy investment climate in Romania in ways that benefit both countries. We further urge our industries to work closely together to support Romania’s civil nuclear energy goals.”

The document further talks about anti-corruption fight, bilateral trade and Visa Waiver Program, yet not mentioning fany time frame when visas for Romanians will be lifted.

Our excellent law enforcement and anti-corruption partnership is firmly based on a mutual commitment to the rule of law and an independent judiciary, which are strongly supported by the Romanian people. We further stress that good governance forms the basis of our shared security and prosperity.

The United States and Romania proudly underscore the substantial trade growth between our two countries, as well as our common interest in shaping an investment climate that offers transparency, predictability, and stability. We therefore commit to strengthening our trade relationship further and to encouraging increased two-way investment.

The United States reiterates its support for Romania’s efforts to become eligible for entry into the Visa Waiver Program in accordance with the requirements of United States law.”

Trump says he would like to come to Romania

As for President Iohannis’ invitation for Donald Trump to visit Romania, the US President replied he would like to come.

“I’d like to. I don’t know (when). It’s something we’ll discuss,” Trump replied to a question.

Trump has praised Iohannis and the relationship with Romania.

“It’s an honor to be with the President of Romania, who’s highly respected and done a great job. And I hear there’s a little political season going on in Romania, but I would imagine you’re going to do very well because you’re very talented, you love the people.

And we’ve had a great relationship with Romania. The United States and Romania have gotten along better than ever before. So, I want to thank you for that,” the US President pointed out.

In his turn, the Romanian head of state said “it’s great to be back here with you, Mr. President”. “And now we have the opportunity to talk about our very good strategic partnership. And under your strong leadership, we progressed and we will continue doing so. This is very important for us, and I think we are on the right path, and I thank you for that.”

Trump: Iohannis is the man who can solve the corruption problem in Romania

Asked if the corruption issue will be discussed within their meeting, considering at their last meeting in 2017 he praised his Romanian counterpart for his contribution to the anti-corruption fight, Donald Trump stated:

“I think that this is a man that can solve the corruption problem in Romania. And he’s made big strides, from what I hear. I haven’t been there recently. But he’s made very big strides. And I think he’s the man that can solve the corruption problem.

There are a number of really terrific countries like Romania, but they have a tremendous corruption problem. And I’ve heard you’ve made tremendous progress.”

Klaus Iohannis said during the joint statement with Trump that the anti-corruption fight issue will be tackled. “We have good results. And I want to share those with President Trump.

Memorandum on 5G technology

After meeting his American counterpart Donald Trump, President Iohannis announced that a memorandum of understanding was signed between the national governments of the US and Romania regarding 5G technology.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two governments regarding 5G technology, given the importance of security of the 5th generation wireless communications networks to securing prosperity, and also national security,” Iohannis said, yet mentioning no particular company has been referred.

“In Romania, a public tender is on the way for that and I think everyone would be happy if we had more bids, including from the US. This is about privately-run companies, but the memorandum does not reference a particular company; it is a memorandum that clarifies some criteria of transparency and compatibility with the rule of law and so on,” said Iohannis.

Trump has thanked Romania for its ‘outstanding presence in Afghanistan’.

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“President Trump thanked me for the outstanding Romanian presence in Afghanistan, where we are the fifth contributor among the states that are there with the American forces,” the Romanian President revealed.

Trump’s gift to Iohannis: A cap saying “Make Romania Great Again”

President Klaus Iohannis has received an original gift from his American counterpart. Trump, known for wearing a red cap during his electoral campaign, saying “Make America Great Again”, has now offered Klaus Iohannis a white cap saying „Make Romania Great Again”.

The photo features President Iohannis, but also Bogdan Aurescu (MFA) and Romania’s ambassador to the U.S., George Maior, along with the American delegation (Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and others) amusing themselves on the cap.

During the press conference he held at Romania’s Embassy in Washington, Iohannis disclosed he had given Trump a pen.

Iohannis retorts to PM Dancila’s criticism: She is funny

After PM Viorica Dăncilă complained that Iohannis had not consulted her about the visit to the U.S., President Klaus Iohannis has said that the premier should study the architecture of the state a little bit more.

She is funny, Mrs PM, she needs to study the state architecture a little bit more“, Iohannis replied.

On Sunday, Dăncilă stated that it would have been good the head of state had previously talked to the Executive” about his visit to the U.S.

Donald Trumpjoint statementpresident klaus iohannisstrategic partnershipus presidentvisitwashingtonWhite House
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