Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu met on Saturday with a US congressional delegation led by Mike Rogers (R-Alabama), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, for talks focused on strengthening the Romania-US Strategic Partnership, enhancing defence cooperation and maintaining a strong US presence in Romania and on NATO’s Eastern Flank. The delegation also included Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and US Ambassador to Romania Darryl Nirenberg.

The meeting was part of the intensified political dialogue between Romania and the United States over the past year, with the latest bilateral discussions having taken place in Washington in July. According to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE), the talks are also part of Bucharest’s efforts to strengthen bipartisan support in the US Congress for the strategic partnership.

A central topic was the ongoing US review of its military posture in Europe. Țoiu and Rogers discussed the importance of maintaining a strong US presence in Romania and on NATO’s Eastern Flank, as well as continued coordination with NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus Grynkewich.

The officials also discussed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), while addressing the broader security situation in the Black Sea region and the need for continued transatlantic coordination.

“Delighted to meet again Mike Rogers and to welcome to Romania Congressman Eric Sorensen. We had a productive discussion on the US posture review process in NATO, our shared commitments for a strong strategic partnership and a strong 🇺🇸 presence in 🇷🇴 and on the Eastern Flank,” Țoiu said in a post on X following the meeting.

The Romanian foreign minister stressed that Bucharest remains committed to strengthening NATO and to close coordination between European Allies and the United States.

“RO is proactive in its approach towards the shared goal of a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO, which can only be built in close coordination between Allies on the two sides of the Atlantic,” she said.

The discussions also addressed recent security developments, including drone incursions into Romanian territory.

According to Țoiu, the two sides discussed the solidarity demonstrated following the incidents involving drone incursions in Romania, as well as the briefings delivered at the UN Security Council this spring.

The Romanian minister said Bucharest and Washington had agreed to maintain direct contact and continue exchanging briefings on developments affecting regional security.

“RO is answering to these threats in a firm but calculated manner, investing in the capabilities we need to defend our country and coordinating our actions with the US and NATO,” Țoiu said.

Romania has repeatedly stressed its role as a reliable and responsible US Ally in the Black Sea region and as an important contributor to NATO’s deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank.

During the meeting, Țoiu presented the priorities of the Romanian Government and the Supreme Council of National Defence (CSAT) regarding investment in strategic infrastructure and the development of national defence capabilities.

The discussions also covered dual-use infrastructure, including transport and port facilities, which Romania sees as strategically important for both national resilience and NATO mobility.

Defence industrial cooperation between Romania and the United States was another important topic.

Țoiu highlighted the advantages of locating production in Romania, including the country’s skilled workforce, significant industrial tradition and capacity to rapidly increase production in areas where existing manufacturing capabilities cannot meet demand.

According to MAE, US investments in Romania could contribute not only to economic growth in both countries but also to access to the European defence procurement market, including through the EU’s SAFE instrument.

The Romanian and US officials also discussed the development of a transatlantic defence industry network, with a focus on jobs, innovation and economic growth.

The US delegation expressed appreciation for Romania’s continued engagement with the US Congress and for its conduct as a reliable Ally, as well as its contribution to strengthening defence and deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank.

The American officials also highlighted the strong cooperation between the Romanian and US defence industries and the significant potential for further developing these ties.

The meeting also highlighted new initiatives aimed at deepening institutional contacts between Romania and the United States.

At the initiative of Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu, Romania joined the US State Department’s MECEA exchange programme for the first time this year.

US congressional advisers have also been invited to Romania in October for a working visit, with the programme expected to include the Mihail Kogălniceanu Military Base.

Romania has simultaneously stepped up efforts to promote its defence industry and research and innovation capabilities within NATO.

Bucharest hosted the NATO Industry Forum last year and also hosted, for the first time at NATO headquarters, a presentation of Romania’s defence industry and its research and innovation ecosystem.

The sides further discussed Romania’s role as a solid anchor in EU-US relations, with Bucharest stressing the importance of close cooperation between the European Union and the United States.

“ We maintain a close dialogue between Allies and partners to ensure a strong deterrent in Europe and durable transatlantic security,” Țoiu said, adding that Romania is investing in the capabilities needed to defend its territory while coordinating its actions with the United States and NATO.

The talks in Bucharest come as Washington reviews its military posture in Europe and NATO Allies seek to strengthen deterrence and defence across the Eastern Flank.

For Romania, maintaining a strong US commitment to the region remains a key element of its security strategy, alongside deeper defence industrial cooperation and closer transatlantic coordination.

BUCHAREST, August 29, 2026 Foto: © https://x.com/oana_toiu

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