Romania must continue to consider the United States a friend and a solid ally, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen conveyed in Bucharest, leading the bipartisan delegation of the US Congress on an official visit to Romania. The message comes at a sensitive time, marked by controversies related to a report from the House of Representatives and discussions regarding the reduction of American military presence in Europe.
The statements were made on Monday evening at a roundtable organized by the US Embassy in Bucharest, following meetings with the President of Romania, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Defense.
Message of strengthening the strategic partnership
Shaheen emphasized that the American delegation had "a truly fascinating day" in Romania, including a visit to the F-16 pilots' training center.
"Romania is one of America's strongest, most loyal, and most important allies," the senator declared, adding that the visit reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship.
She specified that she discussed with Romanian officials about cooperation in the security and defense field and about "the ways in which we cooperate and look forward to cooperating more in the future."
In this context, the designated US Ambassador to Bucharest, Daryl Nirenberg, was also mentioned, who is set to assume his mandate. According to the senator, he is "very excited" and will prioritize strengthening the bilateral relationship.
"Governments change, the relationship between peoples remains"
When asked if Romanians can still consider the US a fully committed partner in the current political context in Washington, Shaheen called for the separation of political cycles from the strategic relationship.
"Governments can change, leaders can change, but the relationship between the Romanian people and the American people will continue," she said, adding that the partnership strengthens both Romania and the US and NATO.
The senator conveyed that this message is important "especially for Vladimir Putin and Russia," emphasizing the deterrence dimension of cooperation on the eastern flank of the Alliance.
House of Representatives report firmly rejected
One of the sensitive subjects was the report published at the beginning of the month by the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, led by Republican Jim Jordan, a close associate of President Donald Trump. The 160-page document criticizes the European Commission and points to Romania as a negative example in the context of the annulment of the presidential elections and debates on freedom of expression.
Shaheen categorically rejected the relevance of the document.
"Allow me to address the report of the Judiciary Committee, which is a partisan ideological document that no one pays attention to in the US defense system or in the public. We believe it is erroneous, unfounded in facts. We do not give it any attention. Therefore, the Romanian people should ignore it because it leads nowhere. I can guarantee that," stated the Democratic senator.
She explained that the Republican majority in the House chose "a very partisan approach" on several issues, and this report fits into the same internal political logic.
Visa Waiver and American troops in Europe
Regarding Romania's inclusion in the Visa Waiver program, Shaheen recalled that in 2023, she supported a bill together with Senator Dick Durbin that advanced under the Biden administration but was subsequently blocked.
"We will continue to insist because we know it is important for Romania," she said.
Regarding the Trump administration's decision to withdraw some troops from Europe, the senator acknowledged that she did not agree with this measure. However, she specified that the new defense law, adopted with bipartisan support, introduces the obligation to consult Congress before such decisions.
"We believe it is very important to continue to have American troops on the eastern flank," Shaheen emphasized.
In conclusion, the senator conveyed a direct message to the Romanian public: "Romania should certainly continue to consider the US as a friend because the US considers Romania a very important friend and ally."
Visit to the 86th Aerian Base Fetești, alongside the Minister of Defense
During the visit to Bucharest, the American senator traveled together with the Minister of Defense, Radu Miruță, to the 86th Aerian Base Fetești, in the commune of Borcea (Călărași county), where the F-16 Training Center operates. The two officials discussed with the pilots and base commanders about operational readiness and challenges on the ground.
"Romania's security is built, above all, through people," the minister conveyed on Facebook, emphasizing that direct dialogue with the military is essential to understand real issues and identify concrete solutions. He specified that some of the discussed topics "have already found clear directions for resolution."
Miruță also highlighted the strategic role of the training center, appreciated by the American side for the "speed and determination with which Romania developed" this platform, where Romanian, Ukrainian, and allied pilots are trained to the highest NATO standards. According to the minister, the strategic partnership between Romania and the US remains "strong and results-oriented," and defense cooperation will be strengthened through concrete projects in the near future.