In a recent meeting at the White House, President Joe Biden and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis engaged in discussions covering a range of critical topics, including cooperation within NATO, economic matters, and assisting Ukraine. The talks underscored the significance of Romania’s role within the alliance and its commitment to regional security.
Joe Biden joked that “180 years ago,” as a senator, he advocated for Romania’s admission to NATO. He emphasized that, thanks to this, the Alliance became stronger. “You have exceeded all expectations from 20 years ago when you joined NATO. Thank you for everything you do as part of the Alliance,” Biden said.
Acknowledging the shared military endeavors between Romanian and American forces, Biden commended Bucharest for its support of Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. He assured Romania that the United States would continue to provide assistance.
Patriots for Ukraine?
Meanwhile, Iohannis stated that he is "open to discussion" about transferring one of the Romanian Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
“I said we were willing to do so. We will see what we can offer and what we can receive in return, because it is unacceptable for Romania to remain without air defense," said Iohannis, quoted on Tuesday evening by the Romanian portal g4media.ro.
The Romanian president stated that the most important task is “finding a way to restore peace” in Europe and preventing Vladimir Putin from prevailing. He called NATO the “cornerstone of Romania’s path to democracy.” He also emphasized the importance of lifting U.S. visa requirements for Romania.
While discussing the candidacy for NATO Secretary-General, President Iohannis acknowledged the potential lack of consensus, emphasizing the value of having multiple acceptable candidates. “Some argue that having two candidates undermines unity. However, it is good to have two candidates because it brings up new topics,” Iohannis remarked.
Despite speculation about Biden’s stance on supporting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the NATO leadership role, the spokesperson for the National Security Council declined to provide specifics, reiterating U.S. support for Rutte's candidacy.
The meeting between Biden and Iohannis signifies the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Romania within the NATO framework, underscoring their joint commitment to regional stability and security.
Acknowledging the shared military endeavors between Romanian and American forces, Biden commended Bucharest for its support of Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. He assured Romania that the United States would continue to provide assistance.
Patriots for Ukraine?
Meanwhile, Iohannis stated that he is "open to discussion" about transferring one of the Romanian Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.
“I said we were willing to do so. We will see what we can offer and what we can receive in return, because it is unacceptable for Romania to remain without air defense," said Iohannis, quoted on Tuesday evening by the Romanian portal g4media.ro.
The Romanian president stated that the most important task is “finding a way to restore peace” in Europe and preventing Vladimir Putin from prevailing. He called NATO the “cornerstone of Romania’s path to democracy.” He also emphasized the importance of lifting U.S. visa requirements for Romania.
While discussing the candidacy for NATO Secretary-General, President Iohannis acknowledged the potential lack of consensus, emphasizing the value of having multiple acceptable candidates. “Some argue that having two candidates undermines unity. However, it is good to have two candidates because it brings up new topics,” Iohannis remarked.
Despite speculation about Biden’s stance on supporting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the NATO leadership role, the spokesperson for the National Security Council declined to provide specifics, reiterating U.S. support for Rutte's candidacy.
The meeting between Biden and Iohannis signifies the enduring partnership between the U.S. and Romania within the NATO framework, underscoring their joint commitment to regional stability and security.
Source: TVP World, PAP
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