Cristian Daniel

We express our heartfelt solidarity with the Polish people following the horrific shooting in Kraków. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, as well as with all those affected by this tragic event. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish strength to all those facing this difficult time. @donaldtusk

I welcomed @ElbridgeColby, United States Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, at Victoria Palace, during his visit to Romania. Our substantive discussions focused on concrete ways to deepen the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, with particular emphasis on defence cooperation, the decisive role played by the United States in our efforts to address the increasingly complex and growing challenges in our region, and the security situation in the Black Sea region against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine. I emphasised to the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy that the United States has been and remains much more than a strategic partner for Romania: it is an essential ally in ensuring our national and regional security, for which we expressed our appreciation. Romania, in turn, is a reliable ally and friend that the United States has always been able to count on, as also demonstrated by our recent history. I outlined the Government’s efforts to allocate significant resources to defence, even amid budgetary constraints, as ensuring the security of our citizens remains an unquestionable priority. I highlighted the Romanian Government’s commitment to observe the decisions made at the NATO Summit in The Hague. We will focus our efforts on modernising military capabilities and increasing investments in the defence industry and dual-use infrastructure. At the same time, I expressed our interest in expanding cooperation with the United States in the defence industry, including through joint production, maintenance and logistical support projects aimed at developing our country’s defence industrial base. We also discussed the security situation in the Black Sea region, including daily drone incursions and attacks on commercial vessels, which are undermining security and affecting freedom of navigation. I stressed the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security. I reaffirmed to the US official Romania’s interest in a stronger military and economic presence of the United States in our country, highlighting the strategic and operational advantages Romania offers in strengthening NATO’s defence posture in the Black Sea region and along the Eastern Flank. I assured him that Romania remains firmly committed to strengthening the Strategic Partnership with the United States and reinforcing the transatlantic relationship. 🇷🇴 🇺🇸

Excellent discussion with OECD Secretary-General @MathiasCormann, a strong friend and supporter of Romania. OECD accession process serves as an outstanding ground for good policies and practices in Romania, in the interest of the citizens and of the economy - an opportunity we intend to fully leverage, as outlined in the Government Program. Romania remains fully committed to becoming a member of the OECD family as soon as possible.

Had a substantive phone conversation with NATO Secretary General @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte. I expressed my appreciation for his continued support and close cooperation. We discussed the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea, and the growing hybrid threats facing NATO Allies on the Eastern Flank. The escalating tensions in our region call for heightened Allied vigilance and a firm, coordinated response. I thanked the Secretary General and our NATO Allies for their sustained attention to Black Sea security, including the recently announced additional surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for the region.

I had an in-depth phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, @KoretskyiUA, about the security situation in Ukraine and the Black Sea region, including following the recent attacks on commercial vessels. I reaffirmed Romania’s steadfast solidarity with Ukraine in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as our continued support. We agreed to strengthen our joint projects in the fields of drones, infrastructure, logistics and energy to enhance regional connectivity and security. Our Strategic Partnership provides the framework for continued close coordination, including on the protection of the rights of persons belonging to the Romanian minority in Ukraine, which remains high on our agenda. The Romanian Government remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s accession to the EU.