Romania, as a member state of NATO and the European Union, is a strong promoter of the Transatlantic connection, said president Klaus Iohannis at the Global American Jewish Committee (AJC) Forum, quoted by Agerpres.

President Iohannis received the Light Unto the Nations distinction from the AJC in Washington, on June 6. He is in an official visit in the United States until June 9 and is due to meet president Donald Trump at the White House.

“We need to maintain and consolidate its power [e.n. of the Transatlantic connection] in the face of challenges that both Europe and the US are confronted with. Both Europe and America need this, regardless of whether we speak of the EU – US relationship or of what we need to do in NATO. Europe is currently confronted with multiple, unprecedented crises – extremism, nationalism, populism, xenophobia, racism, antisemitism and discrimination, which threaten our democratic societies,” the Romanian President said.

He said that the challenges undermine the European project and lead to mistrust, submission, skepticism and a lack of solidarity.

“I am sharing these thoughts with you because the US need that the EU, as a strategic partner, be strong and united. The security of the EU, in the widest sense, of the entire Europe, is very relevant for the security of the United States. This is how it has been and it will always be. In this context, I can assure you we will be one of the strongest Transatlantic pillars in the European Union. The Transatlantic connection will continue to be our strongest guarantee for security, fundamental freedoms and prosperity,” President Iohannis said.

President Iohannis also spoke of the excellent military cooperation between Romania and the United States, and the potential of other types of cooperation, such as education and research.

At the same time, the president argued the country is acting as a promoter of tolerance and non-discrimination.

“In a time when extremism, xenophobia and radicalism are dangerously growing in Europe and in the world, my country fully assumed its past and it is acting as a promoter of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect for diversity,” the President said.

editor@romania-insider.com

(Photos: Presidency.ro)