Washington: Iohannis -Trump tête-à-tête talks

President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, has been welcomed, on Tuesday evening, at the White House, by the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. It is for the second time, after June 2017, when the two presidents have a meeting at the White House.

Radio Romania News Special Envoy to Washington, Oana Bâlă: President Klaus Iohannis has been welcomed to the White House by US President Donald Trump. The two leaders went to the diplomatic reception room, where Romanian Head of State signed in the Book of Honor and the two official delegations were presented. Romanian and US Presidents then went into the Oval Office for tête-à-tête talks. Prior to that, the two presidents answered questions from journalists. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will discuss with the Romanian counterpart the Visa Waiver Program for Romanian citizens, but also about increasing the number of US military personnel present in Romania. US President said he would like to visit Romania, but issues related to a potential visit remain to be discussed. A White House statement shows that President Trump has told Romanian Head of State that he intends to expand ties between the two countries, by supporting Romania’s efforts to become eligible for entry into the Visa Waiver Program, in accordance with the requirements of United States law. Romania is an invaluable partner in NATO and supports the US in assuring regional and global security. Also, Romania is committed to working with the US in combating cyber threats, represented by Chinese companies wishing to implement 5G technology. At the same time, the US will work with Romania to support Europe's energy security. For his part, President Klaus Iohannis said that there has been progress in the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

White House Administration statement:

President Trump is reaffirming and strengthening the United States’ partnership with Romania.

President Donald J. Trump reaffirms and strengthens US partnership with Romania. President Trump welcomes President Klaus Iohannis of Romania to the White House and reaffirms and celebrates the strong strategic partnership between the two countries. Romania is celebrating 30 years of freedom and democracy in 2019 and continues to make great progress in overcoming the legacy of communism. The United States and Romania have growing security, energy, civil nuclear and cyber relationships that benefit both countries.

The two countries will continue to work together to meet common security challenges and further enhance the economic and energy partnership. President Trump plans to expand ties between the two countries, supporting Romania's efforts to become eligible for entry into the Visa Waiver Program, in accordance with the requirements of US law.

Marking 15 years since joining the Alliance, Romania has proven itself to be a strong NATO ally and is meeting its commitment to dedicate at least 2% of its GDP to defense spending. Romania provided one of the largest troop contributions to NATO’s mission in Afghanistan and supports missions in Kosovo, Bosnia and the Defeat-ISIS Coalition. The military are working together to strengthen deterrence on NATO's Eastern flank.

Following a previous meeting with President Trump, Romania is modernizing its military with several US systems, including Patriot air and missile defense systems. Romania is committed to working with the United States to combat cybersecurity threats posed by Chinese vendors in 5G networks. The United States will work with Romania to improve its investment climate and help the country better use its vast natural gas resources.

These efforts will increase investment opportunities for US companies, increase prosperity for the Romanian people and improve energy security across the region. Romania supports Trump Administration's energy diversification efforts in Europe, which decrease European countries' dependence on Russian energy sources. Romania opposed Nord Stream II and other pipeline projects that increase Europe's dependence on Russia. The United States and Romania are strong supporters of the Three Seas Initiative, which is important to increasing energy market access and security.

Source:RRA, White House. Translated by Miruna Matei