Romanian foreign minister Oana \u021aoiu held official talks with US secretary of state Marco Rubio during her visit to the United States. The meeting focused on advancing the Romania-US Strategic Partnership, with discussions covering defense cooperation, energy security, Visa Waiver, and new areas of economic collaboration.<\/p>\n
This was the first bilateral meeting between the two officials and took place at the invitation of Marco Rubio, following joint discussions held during the UN High-Level Week, including the transatlantic foreign ministers\u2019 working session, according to<\/a> the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).\u00a0<\/p>\n Both sides described the dialogue as constructive and forward-looking, emphasizing shared interests in regional stability and technological development.<\/p>\n Minister \u021aoiu highlighted the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security and reaffirmed Romania\u2019s role as a reliable ally on NATO\u2019s Eastern Flank. She emphasized the importance of the US military presence in Romania, particularly at the Mihail Kog\u0103lniceanu Air Base, describing it as a crucial element of deterrence and defense in the region.<\/p>\n Talks also centered on strengthening economic and energy cooperation, with both officials reaffirming their commitment to expanding joint projects in high-tech sectors such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and innovation.<\/p>\n Minister Oana \u021aoiu also raised the issue of Romania\u2019s inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program, noting the potential benefits for tourism, business, and border security cooperation.<\/p>\n In his turn, according to the MAE, secretary of state Marco Rubio \u201cthanked Romania for the quality of the bilateral relationship,\u201d and both officials \u201cacknowledged the role of the partnership in ensuring the security of NATO\u2019s Eastern Flank and strengthening the allied deterrence and defense posture in the Black Sea region.\u201d<\/p>\n Rubio also expressed the United States\u2019 interest in further developing cooperation with Romania in the economic and energy sectors.\u00a0<\/p>\n The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen bilateral engagement and maintain high-level political dialogue in the coming period.<\/p>\n According to News.ro<\/a>, minister Oana \u021aoiu told news channel Antena 3 that the talks also included the planned trip of president Nicu\u0219or Dan to the US in 2026<\/a>. \u201cYes, we also discussed the meeting between the presidents, and we are aligned on the possibility of having it in the first quarter of next year,\u201d said Oana \u021aoiu.<\/p>\n\n