Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves joined celebrants at the AmCham Romania celebration, marking the 25th anniversary of the launch of the U.S.-Romania Strategic Partnership.
He thanked Charge d’Affaires David Muniz, President of the Senate Alina Gorghiu, Deputy Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu, Deputy General Secretary Mircea Geoana, Under Secretary Jose Fernandez and others for joining in the celebration, according to a Sept. 28 news release.
“Over the past 25 years, the primary focus of the Strategic Partnership has been national security and defense," Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said, according to the release. “As we continue our work together to address common threats and challenges, strengthening the U.S.-Romania economic relationship is the natural and important next step.”
He thanked Romania on its contributions to NATO and significant defense spending and investment increases, the release reported. The nation meets NATO’s guideline of 2% of GDP spending on its defense sector, which offers billions of dollars in opportunities for U.S. firms. The Black Sea region and Romania are key to Europe’s economic and defensive capabilities. And NATO remains ready and able to fulfill its Article V commitments.
Graves offered his appreciation of the dedication and determination Romania gives in meeting challenges. The U.S. has been lucky to count on Romania, he said, according to the release. The U.S. trusts the relationship between the two countries will continue to evolve for the better.
“And I’m thankful to AmCham Romania and the U.S. Commercial Service for your work to bolster our bilateral commercial ties. Together, we can tackle the range of 21st century global threats and regional conflicts, strengthen our relationship and support workers and businesses in both of our countries,” Graves said in the release.
