Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu welcomed on Wednesday, March 30th, 2005, at Victoria Palace, the American Deputy Secretary of State, Robert B. Zoellick, that visited Romania on the occasion of his trip in 14 European countries.

The visit of the Deputy Secretary Zoellick confirms the interest of the American Administration in strengthening the relation with Romania, considered to be a close partner and special ally.

During the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu presented the political priorities of the Romanian Government, from the perspective of the NATO membership, the future EU membership and the cooperation within the Black Sea region. The Romanian Prime Minister underlined Romania’s intention to continue the special partnership relation with the US, strengthening the economic cooperation and attracting US investments in Romania

Deputy Secretay Zoellick reaffirmed the US support for Romania, expressing the certitude that Romania will continue to be a trustful ally within NATO, regionally and internationally.