Acting president Bolojan welcomes US Congress delegation

Romania has learned the necessary lessons and the government is committed to ensuring the fair and transparent conduct of elections, in full accordance with democratic standards, said interim President Ilie Bolojan on Tuesday, at a meeting with eight members of the U.S. Congress he welcomed at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.According to the Presidential Administration, the meeting addressed the main areas of the strategic partnership between Romania and the U.S., with emphasis on the security component, economic cooperation and development prospects of the bilateral relationship.Bolojan reconfirmed Romania's firm commitment to the strategic partnership, calling it a key component of the country's foreign affairs and national security architecture.He highlighted the importance of strengthening the U.S. presence in Romania, especially amid the current security challenges in the Black Sea region. He added that Romania actively contributes to the security of NATO's eastern flank, and close cooperation with the U.S.is essential to effective deterrence.Another priority subject of the discussions was the latest developments in the process of Romania's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program. The interim president said that this objective is a priority on the bilateral agenda and an expectation of the Romanian citizens. "Romania expresses its full willingness to collaborate with the American authorities to complete this process within a reasonable period of time and with a positive result."The common interest in developing the economic dimension of the strategic partnership was also emphasised, by attracting American investment and expanding trade cooperation. In the current context of the Romanian economy, there is a significant potential for deepening bilateral economic ties."At the same time, issues of regional interest were also addressed. Bolojan spoke about the importance of strengthening security on NATO's eastern flank as an essential component in maintaining stability in the region. In this context, they discussed the support offered to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and firm support for the European path of Moldova. Romania remains a responsible partner within the Euro-Atlantic community, committed to defending democratic values and promoting stability and security in the region," according to the Presidential Administration.The visiting U.S.delegation comprised eight members of the U.S. Congress, representing both political parties: Vern Buchanan (Republican - Florida), Dina Titus (Democrat - Nevada), Lloyd Doggett (Democrat - Texas), Ted Lieu (Democrat - California), Neal Dunn (Republican - Florida), Ilhan Omar (Democrat - Minnesota), Anna Paulina Luna (Republican - Florida) and Andy Ogles (Republican – Tennessee) (Photo:https://www.presidency.ro/ro/media/galerie-foto-video)