US administration's message on Romanian National Day: "We count on Romania as a strong ally"
US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, (in picture) sent hers and president Obama’s best wishes to the Romanian people as they celebrate their National Day.
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to all Romanians as you celebrate your national day this December 1,” said Clinton in a press release.
“Ninety-three years ago the Romanian state was founded on the democratic principles of liberty and equality, which are the shared values at the heart of our relationship. Today, we count on Romania as a strong ally as we work together to support the stability and prosperity of Afghanistan, the Euro-Atlantic integration of your Balkan neighbors and global security through extensive law enforcement cooperation," the State Secretary has also said.
Clinton also referred to defense agreements signed earlier this between the US and Romania on strategic partnership and missile defense. She called the military pact a “new chapter in our enduring relationship.” The overall tone of the message and the emphasis on military agreements may suggest to some that the US is sending a reminder that they expect Romania to tow the line on US foreign defense policy.
Alex Camburu, alex.camburu@romania-insider.com
(Photo source: State.gov)