Title: Romanian President Calls for Permanent U.S. Military Presence in the Country

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis expressed his hope that the temporary U.S. military presence in his country would turn into a permanent stationing, claiming it would enhance security. He added, in a speech at a reception held by the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest to celebrate the 247th anniversary of U.S. Independence, "Along with positioning our country as a member of the European Union and as an ally in NATO, the strategic partnership with the United States will continue to shape Romania's foreign and security policy. I assure you that the Romanian authorities will fully cooperate to create the best conditions for a stable presence, and we hope it will be a permanent one for our strategic partner in Romania." Iohannis noted that "U.S. President Joe Biden has previously expressed his intention to defend every inch of allied territories." In early April, Iohannis spoke in favor of strengthening NATO's presence in the Black Sea region.