Unprecedented step in the last 25 years: All former US ambassadors in Bucharest, open letter to Romanians

The former ambassadors of the United States of America to Romania state, in an unprecedented move in the last 25 years, that the Strategic Partnership with Romania has proven to be one of the best US investments in Europe. In an open letter to Romanians, the eight former ambassadors state that our country is one of the closest and most capable US allies in Central and Eastern Europe and “provides an example in promoting democratic values, fundamental human rights and man, the rule of law and good governance ”.

The diplomats emphasized, in the letter sent on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, Romania’s role in managing the humanitarian crisis after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but also the “decisive” role of our country. ”

In defense of NATO’s Eastern Flank, as well as in strengthening stability and security throughout the Black Sea region.” According to them, “as Romania continues to invest in its own capabilities, it will have the potential to become one of the leading security providers in the region and throughout the North Atlantic Alliance.”

The eight former ambassadors also stressed the importance of including Romania in the Visa Waiver program. “It would stimulate trade, tourism, educational exchanges, as well as human relations which are the foundation of Romanian-American friendship. Our governments must continue to work together to make progress towards meeting Romania’s admission requirements in this program. There is a clear need for more communication with the public, in the form of information and education campaigns, as well as closer cooperation with all actors involved, including civil society and the business community ”.

The letter is signed by eight former US ambassadors to Romania:

Alfred H. Moses, ambassador in Bucharest from 1994 to 1997,  James Carew Rosapepe, ambassador 1997-2001, Michael E. Guest, ambassador 2001-2004, Jack Dyer Crouch II, ambassador 2004-2005, Nicholas F. Taubman, ambassador 2005-2008, Mark Gitenstein, ambassador 2009-2012, Hans G. Klemm, ambassador 2015-2019, Adrian Zuckerman, ambassador 2019-2021.

The head of American diplomacy also wanted to mark the 25th anniversary of the launch of the bilateral Strategic Partnership. “Since then, we have strengthened ties in defense, energy and economic cooperation,” said Antony Blinken, adding that the U.S. and Romania share “a commitment to push back Russia’s aggression in the region”.

Twenty-five years ago, the United States and Romania launched our Strategic Partnership. Since then, we have strengthened ties on defense, energy, and economic cooperation. Romania has no better friend and we share a commitment to pushing back Russia’s aggression in the region.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 11, 2022

Romanian President, PM statements

On Monday, President Klaus Iohannis also sent a message on the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States of America. According to him, “Romania has demonstrated the will and ability to contribute significantly to the common goals on the Romanian-American bilateral agenda, becoming the most consistent and reliable ally of the United States in the region.”

“In the last 25 years, Romania has demonstrated the will and ability to contribute significantly to the common goals on the Romanian-American bilateral agenda, becoming the most consistent and reliable ally of the United States in the region. The war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the security situation in our region and the serious consequences of this war globally and in key sectors determine us to act together, more united than ever, to find solutions, bilaterally or Euro-Atlantic, for to strengthen and protect the values, security and resilience of our societies. The Strategic Partnership is about people, about the interpersonal connections that bring us closer. A common goal assumed by our countries as part of this dimension of cooperation is the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver Program, and both parties are working to achieve it,” Iohannis said.

PM Nicolae Ciuca said in his turn that the development of the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America on all its cooperation dimensions has become a priority for Romania.

“The Strategic Partnership with the United States was intended to be a symbol of the fact that Romania was not forgotten in the first wave of NATO’s enlargement and that its decisive step and security guarantees will come,” PM Ciuca stated.

He points out that the Strategic Partnership has also been an effective tool for strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as the promotion of transatlantic values, defense and security, economy and trade, energy, education.