US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo drew the attention of Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu to the importance of continuing the fight against corruption that undermines democratic institutions, a US State Department press release said. They met in Washington on Monday. The Foreign Ministry press release in Bucharest does not mention anything about the subject of corruption, MAE arguing that the talks focused only on security issues.

“State Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu today in Washington. The two discussed close security co-operation with Romania, a robust NATO ally who fulfills his commitments on defense spending, and NATO’s challenges on the eastern flank. The two top dignitaries have talked specifically about Russia’s aggression in the Black Sea area. The two also discussed the importance of Romania’s efforts to combat corruption that undermines democratic institutions and encourages the harmful influence of opponents, “the US State Department press release said.

On the other hand, the foreign affairs ministry in Bucharest looks quite different. Nothing about the corrupt or about “Russia’s aggression”.

“The two officials have approached a wide range of topical issues on the bilateral agenda, underlining the interest and joint efforts of both governments, both Romanian and American, to develop and intensify the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States of America. The Romanian Minister stressed the importance of bilateral high-level visits to Washington and Bucharest for the development of the bilateral relationship, “the MAE said in a press release.

The discussion also covered an assessment of transatlantic security priorities in anticipation of the ministerial meeting dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, MAE reports.

“Minister Teodor Melescanu appreciated the close partnership with the United States in the field of security, highlighting the strategic role of Romania and the Romanian-American cooperation in ensuring an integrated approach to NATO’s defensive measures. At the same time, the head of the Romanian diplomacy emphasized the importance of strengthening the American commitment and alliance for the security of the Black Sea region, “the communiqué said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also questioned Romania’s candidacy for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and presented Romania’s candidacy for a non-permanent role in the UN Security Council and highlighted the traditional experience of our country in the UN system.

Regional and Global Efforts to Combat Terrorism and Asymmetric Security Threats were discussed, “the US Secretary of State remarking Romania’s important contributions to international organizations and mechanisms, as well as the high-level expertise of Romanian specialists and professionals.” Also, the increased bilateral energy cooperation was discussed.

The meeting was attended by US Ambassador George Maior, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Philip Reeker.

Source: M.Hotnews (TFP translation)