June 4th 2006

President of Romania, Traian Basescu , met on June 4th 2006, at the Cotroceni Palace, the US Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor Jack D. Crouch.

Jack D. Crouch was in Romania on the occasion of the Summit of the Black Sea Forum for Dialogue and Partnership which took place at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest on June 5 th .

President Basescu welcomed the US administration's messages of encouragement and the support for the Romanian vision on the Black Sea region which emphasizes strengthening of the regional cooperation.

Both officials agreed that the creation of an area for dialogue and prosperity is in accordance with all parties' wish for consolidation of European and Euro-Atlantic security and stability.

The Romanian President underlined the need for this open high level dialogue between Black Sea partnering countries, a dialogue able to offer credibility to the political actions decided on the occasion of the Forum. President Basescu also stated that the idea of a Black Sea community is a long term perspective in regard to the democratic evolutions of the countries in the region.

Jack D. Crouch restated the interest of the United States to this project, appreciating Romania 's initiative.

The agenda of discussion also included aspects related to Romanian and American military presence in Iraq , the political situation in Baghdad , as well as evolutions within NATO. Regarding the current situation in Irak , the US official said that the first priority of the United States is continuing efforts for consolidating security in this country and appreciated the support of the Romanian government.

Another subject on the agenda was the situation in Kosovo as well as evolutions in Serbia and Montenegro , following the results of the referendum in Montenegro on April 21 st .

Communication Department of the Presidential Administration