NATO's eastern flank and the Black Sea region are on the front line of Russian threats, President Nicusor Dan said on Wednesday at the United States Independence Day reception.

'We must not forget that, in our neighborhood, Russia's aggression against Ukraine continues, and Romania and its citizens are directly affected by the consequences of the reckless escalation in which the Kremlin has engaged. NATO's eastern flank and the Black Sea region are on the front line of Russian threats. I would like to express on this occasion the deep gratitude of Romania and each of its citizens for the efforts of the United States and our Allies to strengthen defense and deterrence measures in our country,' the head of state declared.

The 250-year journey of the United States did not begin and has never been undertaken in solitude, he said.

Moreover, the President added, the U.S. holds a central role in a system of alliances and partnerships that ensure our freedom, security and prosperity.

'This 'Western' system, in a political, not geographical sense, has a special value for Romania, as a state that, since the Union of the Principalities, has voluntarily and consciously assumed the role of exponent of a civilization built on the ideas and principles that animated the Founding Fathers of the United States,' Nicusor Dan pointed out.

President Dan said that the results of the perseverance of Romanians regarding membership in the Western community of values 'are more important than ever' and recalled that next year 30 years of Strategic Partnership will be celebrated.

'While we are grateful to all our allies, I assure you that Romania fully assumes responsibility for its own defense and contributes to the security of its partners. In a few days, at the NATO Summit in Ankara, I will present to President Trump and our allies the efforts that Romania is making to increase the capabilities of its armed forces. Thus, we participate with determination in the common European effort to consolidate Euro-Atlantic security', stated Nicusor Dan.

The President conveyed that Romania's accession to the OECD is a strategic priority, not only through the primacy of national economic interests, but also through that of belonging to a set of common values, and the support of the U.S. is essential in this endeavor.

'I return to the idea with which I began - the enduring power of the ideals proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence. This power must continue to inspire us today, when we are confronted with complex challenges and overlapping crises at a global level. Our most effective common weapon is unity, and the power of unity comes precisely from our common values. Therefore, Romania will remain steadfast alongside the United States in the defense of freedom and democracy', emphasized Nicusor Dan. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)