U.S.-Romania relations are rooted in shared democratic values, in a history of friendship between our two peoples, and in a joint commitment to a rules-based order. On his recent visit to Romania, Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed the United States will continue to support Romania’s work to build robust democratic institutions, to combat corruption, and to strengthen the rule of law.
Romania has been a stalwart ally, hosting thousands of U.S. and NATO troops at air and naval bases in service of the NATO Alliance. “We collaborate closely together on Black Sea operations, which are and will continue to be an important strategic focus for NATO. And we stand united in the face of President Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine,” said Secretary Blinken.
Since Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine in February, the U.S. and its allies have surged security assistance to Ukraine that has helped tilt the battlefield in Ukraine’s direction, said Secretary Blinken:
“We’ve choked off the engine of the Russian war economy with unprecedented sanctions and export controls. We’ve provided economic, humanitarian, and now energy assistance to Ukrainians as President Putin targets the infrastructure that provides heat, electricity, and clean water.”
“In each of these efforts, Romania’s leadership has been critical,” said Secretary Blinken:
“Romanians have opened their doors and opened their hearts to millions of innocent civilians, mostly women and children fleeing Putin’s violence, tens of thousands of whom remain here in Romania. Romanians have delivered food, water, medical supplies, and fuel to Ukrainians in need. Romania has facilitated the export of more than 6 million tons of Ukrainian grain, helping prevent millions of people around the world from going hungry.”
Romania can rely on American support going forward. The U.S. has provided more than $120 million in security assistance to Romania just this past year. In addition, the U.S. has contributed over $48 million to humanitarian assistance programs in Romania for Ukrainian refugees. And on the energy front, the U.S. and Romania are strengthening their civil nuclear cooperation which aims to bolster energy security while also helping advance global clean energy goals.
“Having proceeded down its own long road to democracy and now standing up for democracy everywhere,” said Secretary Blinken, “Romania can count on America to continue to be by its side.”
U.S.-Romania Relations Remain Strong
U.S.-Romania relations are rooted in shared democratic values, in a history of friendship between our two peoples, and in a joint commitment to a rules-based order.
