Today is an important day for Romania. The American Vice-president Joe Biden has scheduled meetings with several Romanian officials. In only a few hours, Joe Biden will meet Traian Băsescu at Cotroceni Palace.
At the end of their discussions, the two will hold a joint press conference. Vice-president Joe Biden will later meet Prime Minister Victor Ponta at Palace Victoria where they will address Romania’s involvement in the anti-terrorist war and the situation in Ukraine.
Afer the meeting with the prime minister, Joe Biden will go back to Cotroceni Palace, where he will hold a press conference. The visit of the American vice-president to our country is the most important event since the visit of the Chinese Premier a few months ago.
Joe Biden arrived to Bucharest yesterday afternoon and the first stop the American Vice President made was at the Otopeni Military Airbase where he delivered a speech before the Romanian and American troops.
Joe Biden arrived at Cotroceni 15 minutes later than the time scheduled. The head of state welcomed Biden at the entry into the Palace in the Honorary Hall. Traian Băsescu and Joe Biden shook hands before the journalists and took an official picture.
Joe Biden is now discussing with Traian Băsescu. ”I have not seen you in a while”, president Traian Băsescu told the US Vice-president and Joe Biden replied: ”I am glad to see you”.
BIDEN’s statements
Thank you for your commitment to the transatlantic partnership. I am amazed every time of the progress you have made. In one generation, the country raised from tyranny to join the democratic powers and the strongest alliance, NATO.
We will open the location site of the anti-missile system in Deveselu. We encourage Romania to continue the efforts of raising the defense budget of up to 2% of the GDP.
The President of the United States appreciates the alliance with Romania. One of the main reasons of my coming here was to be able to say from the Romanian territory that we will honor Article 5 of the NATO treaty, it is a sacred obligation. No NATO ally is alone, we protect each other.
The aggression in Crimea reminds us why we need NATO and why Romania is part of NATO.
The elections in Ukraine represent a possibility for them to decide their own future. All the countries have to use their influence to create a positive environment so hat Ukrainian should be able to vote freely. If Russia undermines the election in Ukraine we must enforce stronger sanctions against Russia.
For Romania there is more at stake than the physical security; it is an opportunity to a life in freedom, prosperity and dignity.
The President of the United States and I appreciate your efforts to consolidate and protect the rule of law in Romania.
Our alliance is strong also thanks to you. The future is ours. God bless Romania, God bless America and protect our troops.
BĂSESCU’s statements
Today we had a meeting, which is extremely important, with Mr. Vice President Joe Biden, a meeting in which we have discussed the main topics on our bilateral agenda and also on the regional agenda.
I can say that after Romania joined NATO and the Europe Union, the strategic partnership for the 21st century that we have pinned down with the U.S. is the third major political achievement after the December revolution
We have also discussed about the need to consolidate the rule of law in Romania, the rule of law as a premise for progress further in achieving at the maximum level the strategic partnership we have with the U.S.
I thanked Vice President Biden for the immediate response that the U.S. had when the conflict started in Ukraine by supplementing air forces, naval forces and land forces that are ready to participate in any kind of mission, particularly in a mission of discouraging Russia’s attitude, Russia’s desire to become again the USSR. It is a reconfirmation that the United States of America are true to their word.
We have also discussed of the vulnerabilities created at the Black Sea; we analyzed energy dependence, the very high energy dependence on the Russian gas.
Joe Biden arrived at Palace Victoria, where he was welcomed by PM Victor Ponta.
Biden’s statements
I appreciate the dedication you show to the US Romanian relationship".
"We have talked about the collaboration between the USA and Romania. The USA is dedicated to the relationship between the two countries. National security and energy security are inseparable in this part of the world. I believe that the European energy market must be safe, diverse and interconnected".
“We are ready to provide the help needed to upgrade the gas pipelines in Romania.
PONTA’s statements
"Romania is a trustworthy partner who develops and meets its commitments. Romania must and can be a successful example in this region ", Victor Ponta concluded.
"The economic growth provides us the guarantee that we can be strong and that we can experience a better development of our economic relationship".
" We are honored by the visit of Vice-president Biden. His visit marks the strategic partnership between Romania and the USA and comes at a very important moment", Victor Ponta stated.
"Security cannot be obtained for free. The Government continues to allocate money for the Defense department, thus by 2016 we will allocated for Defense 2% of the GDP", PM Ponta continued.
Joe Biden will leave Romania today .