Romanian Foreign Ministry details talks with US on Black Sea security - EXCLUSIVE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania has provided details regarding the recent discussions between Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
In an exclusive interview with CE Report, the ministry pointed out that Oana Țoiu has shared with Marco Rubio Romania’s assessment of the security situation in the Black Sea region, as well as Romania’s contribution to regional security, stability and connectivity.
"She underlined the importance of a US military presence in the area, both for deterrence and the forward defence of US interests. There is an ongoing process in the US that will result in a new National Defence Strategy (NDS) and a global force posture review. It is up to the US Administration to determine defence priorities and objectives, and to provide guidance for defence planning and force structure; Romania has presented assessments and ideas that can contribute to the aforementioned reflection and decision process," the ministry noted.
As for the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, the ministry added, the facility is undergoing a multi-billion Euro program of extension and refurbishment.
"It is a Romanian air base that can accommodate allied troops, including from the US, such as those engaged in enhanced air-policing missions. Other military bases and training grounds undergo similar refurbishment programs," the ministry explained.
Regarding the question on a EU Maritime Security Hub focused on the Black Sea region, the Romanian MFA responded that the US is interested in Allies that are contributors to joint goals, with a track record of reliability in joint endeavors, and Romania is such an Ally.
"Security in the Black Sea region remains Romania’s highest priority and we are ready to assume additional responsibilities, including in the implementation of the EU Strategic approach and its flagship project, the EU security hub. We constantly advocate within the EU, NATO, and in discussions with the US, for a strategic and long term approach towards the region, where all actors in the transatlantic relationship act in a coordinated manner," the statement reads.
The ministry said that the main goal of the meeting was to take stock of the contribution that the RO-US Strategic Partnership makes to the promotion of common interests, be them in the field of security, energy or people-to-people relations and to renew our commitment to ongoing projects and the further development of bilateral relations.
"During the meeting, the potential for further industrial cooperation, as well as the importance of joint defense and security activities were also discussed and the follow up will be ensured with input from additional ministries (Defense, Economy).
The meeting between the Presidents of the United States and Romania was also on the agenda, and the goal is to have a meeting in the first trimester of 2026. We focus our efforts at the moment on the substantive part of the talks, on agenda and deliverables," the ministry concluded.
This interview was prepared by Julian Müller
