Bucharest, Jan 10 /Agerpres/ - Romania's inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program represents a historic moment, ambassador of the United States of America in Bucharest Kathleen Kavalec declared on Friday in remarks delivered at the Victoria Palace of Government at the formalization event.

'It is my pleasure to announce that today, in Washington, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas formally designated Romania as the 43rd country to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This is a historic moment for our bilateral relationship, and the result of several years of work between our two governments,' Kavalec said, and went on to highlight the Romania - U.S. Strategic Partnership, showing that it is based on shared democratic values, economic and cultural ties, as well as cooperation on security and defense.

'Now, with today's announcement, it is clear that our relations are only getting stronger. The Visa Waiver Program enhances our mutual security, economic, and cultural interests, as well as our people-to-people ties. I expect it will supercharge our relationship, giving a boost to our growing economic ties, encouraging more investment in both directions. (...) Upon implementation, most Romanian travelers visiting the United States for business or tourism will no longer need to go in person to obtain a physical visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Instead, approvals to travel visa-free will be processed online, usually in less than three days. This will save time and money for Romanians traveling to the U.S. and lower barriers for Romanian businesses seeking to partner with American businesses,' the diplomat said.

She added that Romanians can now more easily take advantage of last-minute travel deals to the U.S. - for holidays, concerts, performances, and sporting events, for example, as this program will also facilitate travel for important life celebrations with friends and loved ones in the United States.

'The United States also strongly supported Romania's entry into full Schengen. Congratulations to Romania on this important accomplishment, which also helps facilitate travel, including of Americans entering Romania! (...) I hope the Romanian National Football Team will qualify for the World Cup 2026, also hosted on the United States' territory. I know that Hagi and many other football-loving Romanians will want to be there to support 'Tricolorii'. And I do hope many of you will be able to travel to Los Angeles to cheer on Romania at the 2028 Olympics,' the U.S. ambassador added.

Kathleeen Kavalec also thanked the media for helping publicize the campaign to bring Romania into the Visa Waiver Program, remarking also that 'Today's success would not have happened without the support from all my colleagues at the U.S. Embassy.'

Kathleen Kavalec also thanked all those who have expressed support in the wake of the tragic fires in her home state. 'It means a lot to hear from our friends in difficult times,' she concluded. AGERPRES (RO - author: Catalina Matei, editor: Claudia Stanescu; EN - editor: Simona Klodnischi)