The U.S. has acknowledged Romania’s role as a key partner in ensuring energy security, according to the joint statement sent after the Romania – U.S.A. Strategic Dialogue.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oana Toiu, received, on Tuesday, the U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Christopher W. Smith.

The discussions preceded the tenth session of the Romania – U.S.A. Strategic Dialogue, which was attended by delegations led by the Secretary of State for Strategic and Global Affairs, Ana Tinca, and the U.S. Deputy Undersecretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Christopher W. Smith.

According to the joint statement sent by the Foreign Ministry (MAE), the United States of America has acknowledged Romania’s role as a key partner in ensuring energy security.

The delegations noted the progress in bilateral cooperation, which enhances Romania’s role as a regional energy hub, while also increasing opportunities for American businesses, the cited source said.

According to the MAE, Romania and the United States will continue to collaborate to ensure reliable, safe and affordable energy, including by building Reactors 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant, by creating the conditions for implementing innovative SMR nuclear technology, and by developing natural gas resources in the Black Sea, in partnership with American companies.

The delegations reviewed the steps necessary to unlock the enormous potential of the Vertical Corridor for supplying Central and Eastern Europe with natural gas from alternative sources to Russian ones.

Strengthened border security and law enforcement cooperation directly support joint efforts to combat organized crime, human and drug trafficking, illegal migration, terrorism, and cyber threats. Implementing key security and information exchange initiatives benefits the security of both nations and facilitates legitimate travel between them, the joint statement reads.

AGERPRES