Thursday, June 11, 2020
As Delivered
Prime Minister Orban, State Secretary Arafat, Friends and Guests.
It is a real honor and pleasure for me to be here with you today. I have to thank and commend President Iohannis, Prime Minister Orban, Secretary Arafat and many others in and out of Government for their sustained fight against the COVID pandemic. A plague of this magnitude was unknown in modern times. The damage done to our economies, our people and our countries is enormous. Yet the people of Romania and the United States have gotten through this scourge together and will rebuild our countries together. It is only fitting that three days from now, on June 14, we will celebrate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Romania and the United States. As evidenced by the last several months, our countries’ strategic partnership has never been better or stronger. We have helped each other get through this pandemic.
The United States flew 80 tons of personal protective equipment to Romania from South Korea, provided $800,000 to Romania in health sector assistance and U.S. companies assisted with medical equipment, such as the ventilators here today.
Additionally, US companies operating in Romania contributed millions of dollars in cash and in-kind contributions to various
Romanian charities and NGOs. The Romanian people sent 15 physicians and experts to the United States to help with the pandemic and helped the United States repatriate citizens from around the world. When there was a global shortage of medical supplies and protective equipment – Romania started manufacturing them, just like the United States.
The revolution thirty years ago made possible a new era of opportunity based on democracy and free markets for Romanians. American investments, business practices, and values have been key to Romania’s development since then. These practices and values will greatly assist Romania in surmounting any problem and achieving its true potential.
I am bullish on Romania and the Romanian renaissance. Romania is blessed with significant natural resources and talented people. I am convinced that under the leadership of President Iohannis and Prime Minister Orban, Romania will realize its true economic potential as a dynamic market place and the gateway to Europe. The United States is committed to further develop the U.S.-Romania Strategic Partnership and determined to strengthen our already impressive security cooperation to ensure freedom and prosperity for both of our countries. The United States is equally determined to strengthen our joint commitment to fostering our mutual economic prosperity. The Romanian people have no better friend than the people of the United States
The enactment of common sense business laws and regulations, increasing transparency and privatization of state owned companies, will lead to enormous economic benefits and prosperity. Romania will emerge from this crisis well-poised to throw off the last shackles of Communism and become a European and global leader in, information technology, agricultural production, energy production and industry. Romania’s future as a prosperous nation in which its human talents and natural resources provide great bounty to its people is close at hand.
I ask all in the Parliament to re-commit to the fundamentals of democracy, the rule of law, private enterprise and transparency. I ask all in the parliament to help as the government seeks to contain the economic damage created by the pandemic and restart Romania’s economy. Business-favorable laws and regulations must be implemented. Romania’s credit rating cannot be jeopardized at this fragile turning point. This is the time to put Romania first. An economically strong Romania will benefit all and raise all Romanians’ standard of living. The people of Romania have suffered enough.
There is a great and prosperous future ahead for Romania. It is palpable. President Trump and the American people remain committed to working together with Romania in the fight against COVID and all threats facing our nations. Together we will defeat COVID. Together we will achieve great economy prosperity and security.
Thank you and God bless you.
