The Romanian Foreign
Minister, Bogdan Aurescu, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, had a
telephone conversation on topics of priority interest for the bilateral
Strategic Partnership, in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine and
efforts to combat its effects. The dialogue also took place in preparation for
the eighth round of the Strategic Dialogue between Romania and the USA, which
will take place in March, in Bucharest. In the context of the one-year
anniversary of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, they discussed its
profound global effects, as well as joint efforts to counter them. The head of the
Romanian diplomacy made a review of the very comprehensive and multidimensional
aid granted to that state by Romania since the beginning of the war.
In turn, the US Secretary
of State particularly thanked Minister Aurescu for the concrete, substantial and essential support given by
Romania to Ukraine. In terms of regional security, the two officials
highlighted the importance of continuing the coherent and consistent
strengthening of NATO’s Eastern Flank, and Bogdan Aurescu conveyed his
appreciation for the US commitment to the defense of the entire Allied
territory, including in the Black Sea region and in Romania, expressed also on
the occasion of the Bucharest 9 summit in Warsaw. The two heads of diplomacy
also addressed opportunities for strengthening resilience in the Black Sea
region through a strategic approach that would ensure, in a sustainable manner,
the free, safe and prosperous character of the Black Sea and strengthen its
status as a key commercial and energy route.
On the other hand, Bogdan
Aurescu emphasized the major impact that Russia’s war of aggression against
Ukraine has on the Republic of Moldova and reaffirmed Romania’s firm, continuous
and unconditional support for the
Republic of Moldova, for strengthening its resilience and security and for its
European journey’. At the same time, he reiterated the key importance of
Romania’s inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.
Against the background of
security challenges in the region, Romania wants to acquire a battalion of
American Abrams tanks, which usually has 54 such armored vehicles. The decision
will be subject to Parliament’s approval. Military experts consider this
third-generation tank to be extremely effective. Its price starts at 10 million
dollars. Representatives of the Romanian Foreign Ministry have also spoken about
procurement
in the naval field. Also, it is estimated that all F-16 aircraft will be delivered
in 2024, after the contract for the purchase of 32 such aircraft from Norway
was signed last year. Currently, the Romanian Air Force has 17 F-16 aircraft,
bought from Portugal and modernized with the help of the USA, as well as older
MIG21 LanceR aircraft of Soviet origin. (MI)