US-Romanian relations

The United States established diplomatic relations with Romania in 1880 after gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire . Diplomatic relations were severed in 1941, when Romania declared war on the United States during World War II . In 1945, relations were restored after the end of the war. In 1947, the communist regime came to power in Romania and relations between the countries have noticeably cooled. As a result of the 1989 Revolution, communist rule in Romania ended. After these events, Romania’s policy became clearly pro-Western, the United States expanded cooperation with this country, including in terms of economic and political development, the implementation of military reform, and provided assistance in combating cross-border crime and drug non-proliferation.

Romania is a strong strategic partner of the United States in the NATO bloc and has made a significant contribution to the creation of the UN peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan and Kosovo . Romania’s efforts to expand cooperation between neighboring countries in the areas of defense, law enforcement, energy, economic development and the environment help the United States strive to strengthen stability in this complex and important region. In addition, the United States and Romania have mutual obligations to protect human rights and the rule of law.

Romania agreed to host US missile defense elements by 2015. In 2011, an agreement was signed between the countries on ballistic missile defense, which allows the deployment of American personnel, equipment and missile interceptors over the next five years. The United States and Romania have also adopted a bilateral joint strategic partnership declaration.

After the 1989 revolution, the Romanian economy began the transition to a market system. Politicians of the country began to work on creating a regulatory framework in accordance with a market economy and encouraging investment. In 2007, Romania became a member of the European Union . The United States and Romania signed a bilateral investment treaty that entered into force before Romania joined the EU. US investments in the Romanian economy are directed to the field of information technology and telecommunications, energy, services, manufacturing and consumer goods. Romania's main exports to the United States are chemicals, steel, plastic, rubber products, and clothing.

• US-Romanian relations on the website of the US Department of State . (eng.)