Prime Minister Luca Niculescu met at Victoria Palace on Thursday with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby, who is paying a visit to Romania.

According to a Government press release, the substantive talks focused on practical ways to deepen the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States, with particular emphasis on defence, the key role played by the US in Romania's efforts to address increasingly serious and complex regional challenges, as well as the security situation in the Black Sea region amid Russia's war against Ukraine.

'I stressed to the US Under Secretary that the United States has been and remains more than a strategic partner for Romania, being an essential ally in ensuring our security and regional security, and conveyed our appreciation for this support. Romania, in turn, is a reliable ally and friend that the US has always been able to count on, as recent history has shown. I outlined the Government's efforts to allocate substantial resources to defence, despite budgetary constraints, as ensuring the security of our citizens is an unquestionable priority. I also highlighted the Romanian Government's objective of honouring the commitments undertaken at the NATO Summit in The Hague, focusing on modernising military capabilities and increasing investment in the defence industry and dual-use infrastructure,' Luca Niculescu wrote in a Facebook post.

The Prime Minister also voiced interest in expanding cooperation with the United States in the defence industry, including through production, maintenance and logistical support projects aimed at developing Romania's defence industrial base.

The talks also addressed the security situation in the Black Sea, including daily drone incursions and attacks on commercial vessels, which are affecting freedom of navigation, the Prime Minister said.

'We highlighted the importance and strategic role of the Black Sea region for Euro-Atlantic security. I reaffirmed to the US official our country's interest in a stronger American military and economic presence in Romania, outlining the strategic and operational advantages we offer for strengthening NATO's defence in the Black Sea region and on the Eastern Flank,' Niculescu said.

During the meeting, the head of the Government reiterated that Romania remains deeply committed to strengthening its Strategic Partnership with the United States and reinforcing transatlantic relations. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)