President Obama joins meeting between Romanian president Basescu and Vice President Biden

President Barack Obama joined the meeting between Romanian president Traian Basescu and Vice President Biden. The Romanian head of state was in the United States yesterday for a visit dedicated to signing several bilateral agreements, among which the U.S.-Romania Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement. Obama also invited President Basescu into the Oval Office along with the Vice President, according to a White House statement.

President Obama noted the close alliance between the United States and Romania, and thanked President Basescu for his strong partnership. He congratulated President Basescu on the U.S.-Romania Ballistic Missile Defense Agreement, which exemplifies the President’s commitment to strengthening NATO and ensuring allies have the capabilities to meet 21st century threats, according to the same White House statement.

President Obama thanked President Basescu for his leadership in NATO as the Alliance prepares for the Chicago NATO Summit in May 2012, and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices that Romanian soldiers have made in the common effort in Afghanistan and elsewhere. He thanked President Basescu for Romania’s contributions to the ISAF mission.

The two presidents also discussed the role that Romania can play in supporting and advancing democracy, both in Europe and in the Middle East in the wake of the Arab Spring.

Vice President Biden welcomed the strengthening of the U.S.-Romania strategic partnership as follow up to the discussions he held with President Basescu during his visit to Bucharest in October 2009. The Vice President and President Basescu also discussed ongoing political and economic reforms in Romania. They also discussed their strong concerns about the situation in Syria and agreed to consult closely going forward.