Together, the United States and Romania will continue advancing security, expanding economic and energy cooperation, and promoting the freedom and prosperity that define our partnership, the new U.S. ambassador in Bucharest Darryl Nirenberg said on Tuesday, as he received his credentials during a ceremony at Cotroceni Palace.

According to a statement from the U.S. diplomatic mission, Ambassador Nirenberg expressed his profound honor to serve as the representative of the United States of America to 'one of its closest Allies and strategic partners.'

He reaffirmed his commitment to building upon nearly 30 years of strong bilateral cooperation in defense, security, intelligence, law enforcement, and economic partnership, and also underscored the importance of further strengthening educational and cultural ties between the two nations.

The Ambassador emphasized that the U.S. - Romania relationship is grounded in shared interests, a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, and a common vision for a secure and prosperous future.

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of American independence this year with 'Freedom250' commemorations, Ambassador Nirenberg highlighted the enduring importance of freedom, respect for fundamental rights, prosperity, and sovereignty as principles that unite the American and Romanian people.

He praised Romania's growing role as a regional leader in energy security and innovation. The Ambassador noted the expanding U.S. - Romania cooperation in civil nuclear energy, natural gas development, and emerging energy technologies, which strengthens regional stability, enhances Europe's energy independence, and creates economic opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

'As the Trump Administration works to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, we look forward to building on our strong relationship, shared democratic values, and enduring friendship,' Ambassador Nirenberg said. 'Together, the United States and Romania will continue advancing security, expanding economic and energy cooperation, and promoting the freedom and prosperity that define our partnership,' he went on to note.

Upon meeting the diplomat on the presentation of his credence letters, President Nicusor Dan said that he had, on this occasion, a first dialogue about consolidating the strategic partnership.

'I am convinced that we will have a very good and efficient cooperation. In a complicated geopolitical context, we aim for the bilateral relationship to be oriented toward concrete projects in areas that are important for the prosperity and security of both nations. I welcome Ambassador Nirenberg to our country and wish him much success in fulfilling the mandate he has just taken on,' the head of state wrote.

United States Ambassador to Romania Darryl Nirenberg was sworn in on February 18, 2026.

Prior to his appointment to this position, Ambassador Nirenberg, an attorney with more than 40 years of experience in foreign policy and international trade law, was a partner at Steptoe LLP in Washington DC.

He began his career as a legislative aide to Senator S.I. Hayakawa and as a professional staff member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He later served on the staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Romanian Revolution, including as minority counsel and minority deputy staff director. He was chief of staff and legislative director to Senator Jesse Helms during the Senator's chairmanship.

Following fourteen years on Capitol Hill, Ambassador Nirenberg entered private practice at Patton Boggs LLP, where he became a partner.

Darryl Nirenberg graduated cum laude from Colgate University and earned his juris doctor from the George Washington University Law School while working full time in the Senate.

He has long been active in his community, coaching youth sports and serving on several nonprofit boards, and mentoring students through Colgate University's Thought Into Action program. He is married to Lori Nirenberg and has two adult children. AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)