The exchange of information with the American partner is essential, and the relationship between the United States and Romania is based on shared interests and values, a firm commitment to the rule of law, and a similar vision for a secure and prosperous future, Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu said on Wednesday after a meeting with Darryl Nirenberg, the United States Ambassador to Bucharest.

'Strengthening cooperation with US law enforcement authorities can only be beneficial for the efficiency of our joint operations, which fall within national priorities, namely countering organised crime, drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings and arms, cybercrime, terrorism and illegal migration. In this context, the exchange of information is essential,' Catalin Predoiu emphasised.

During the discussions, the two officials expressed appreciation for the excellent cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and US authorities, the desire to strengthen the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, and openness to expanding areas and methods of collaboration with American institutions.

The dialogue highlighted the importance of joint activities, with a focus on combating cross-border organised crime and illegal migration, two topics of major interest for the authorities in Washington and Bucharest.

'On the same occasion, the two also approached aspects agreed during the discussions Predoiu held during his visit to Washington in February 2026. The proposals put forward by the Romanian side to strengthen cooperation with US law enforcement authorities demonstrate Romania's commitment to dismantling criminal networks which, through their activities including on Romanian territory, endanger the safety of citizens. In this context, the two high officials reiterated the objective of strengthened cooperation with the American side, through enhanced information exchange,' a press release from the Ministry of Interior sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday reads.

Another topic of interest was combating human trafficking, with progress in this area highlighted, as also noted in the US State Department's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

Predoiu also stressed the importance of cooperation with American partners in combating the abuse and sexual exploitation of minors online, including through the implementation of the dedicated component within the Framework Partnership on Child Protection, which represents a long-term commitment aimed at supporting the prevention and combating of child trafficking.

'Strengthening Romania-US cooperation is a shared objective, with both sides highlighting that the United States and Romania share the same priorities regarding combating organised crime, illegal migration, border security, human trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism and hybrid threats. Border security and the firm enforcement of immigration legislation remain permanent priorities for Romania, especially in the current international context marked by complex risks,' says the press release.

Minister Predoiu and Ambassador Nirenberg also discussed the opportunity to strengthen the economic pillar between the two sides, with a focus on energy, trade and American investments in Romania, aspects that also bring an increased security component.

'Having already established a solid economic presence in Romania and considering our traditional ties, the United States is a natural economic partner. From another perspective, these strong economic links represent a solid basis for even closer cooperation in the field of security, because today everything is interconnected with security. Ambassador Nirenberg's presence in Bucharest will boost bilateral relations,' Predoiu said. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Alexandru Florea; EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)