Romania has chosen the right path - the European and Euro-Atlantic path - towards democracy, peace, security and prosperity for all its citizens, although there is always more to be done, US Ambassador in Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec said Tuesday.

She was awarded the National Order of the Star of Romania, in a ceremony held on Tuesday, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE).

"I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award, the Order of the Star of Romania. I wish to express my sincere thanks to President Iohannis for according me this great honor."

She also extended special thanks to Foreign Affairs Minister Luminita Odobescu for her cooperation in strengthening the US - Romania strategic partnership.

"Thank you for all your support and friendship in our joint efforts to move this very special relationship forward. You and your colleagues at the Ministry are the best allies any bilateral envoy could hope to have."

The US ambassador also expressed her gratitude to the dialogue partners from the Romanian Government, academia, civil society and the private sector, who have contributed to strengthening bilateral ties.

In context, Kathleen Kavalec mentioned some of the accomplishments achieved together with the Romanian partners.

"Together, as NATO Allies and partners, we have strengthened Romania's defense capabilities and its role in promoting regional security through expanded cooperation and presence of U.S. troops, along with a vigorous program of military modernization. Together we worked hand-in-hand in guiding Romania to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. visa waiver program. I am optimistic this will come to fruition in early 2025. And on a related note, as your strategic partners, we congratulate you on Romania's full entry into Schengen," specified the US ambassador.

She also referred to investments, but also to the development of bilateral relations in the fields of education and culture.

"Together we have taken bilateral trade and investment to a new high. As of 2023, the United States is the fourth largest source of foreign direct investment to Romania, contributing over 100,000 jobs in Romania. We have also been the happy recipients of increased Romanian investment and job creation in the United States. Together we have augmented our two-way academic exchange programs and revived connections between our film industries, strengthening our cultural ties," she said.

Kathleen Kavalec also highlighted the joint assistance offered to Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

"Together we have supported Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russia's war of aggression, providing sanctuary for civilian refugees, facilitating grain shipments and providing other critical support. Together we have supported the Republic of Moldova in its path towards democracy, prosperity and full membership in the European community."

The US ambassador further pointed out the "remarkable" progress Romania has made as a member of the EU and NATO and a strategic partner of the United States.

"Romania's GDP has almost quadrupled, its per capita income has surpassed several other EU countries, and it has become a respected and valued member of the Euro-Atlantic community. The events of the last few weeks, which have rightly aroused anxiety among Romanians, in no way affect this fundamental truth. While there is always more work to do, it is clear Romania has chosen the right path - the European and Euro-Atlantic path - towards democracy, peace, security and prosperity - for all its citizens. Even as Romania continues to face new challenges like those of recent weeks, I am confident Romania will continue its successful Euro-Atlantic course. It is the honor of a lifetime for me to serve as U.S. Ambassador here, a country that my family and I have come to love. (...) So let us continue forward together, the United States and Romania, to many more accomplishments and successes in the year ahead," concluded Kathleen Kavalec. AGERPRES (RO - author: Daniel Florea, editor: Georgiana Tanasescu; EN - editor: Simona Iacob)