US Ambassador Vows To Boost Romania Ties

The new US ambassador to Romania, Hans Klemm, arrived in Bucharest on Sunday, raising hopes that he will bolster Western efforts to help Romania improve its adherence to the rule of law.

"My aim is to bolster our bilateral security partnership and support Romania's efforts to reform its governance and adhere to the rule of law," he said.

"I will work to improve the economic relations and investments in your country and to deepen the bonds between the people of America and Romania," Klemm said in a video message published on the US embassy website.

The previous ambassador, Mark Gitenstein, left Romania in December 2012 but the appointment of a new ambassador was delayed by political wrangling in the US.

Klemm was nominated by President Barack Obama in March. Before being appointed to Romania, Klemm was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Human Resources, and served as Acting General Director of the Foreign Service and Acting Director of Personnel of the Department of State from July 2013 to December 2014.

While the position of US ambassador in Romania was vacant, some local officials speculated that this was a sign of America's lack of interest in Romania. Experts warned that the prolonged absence of the ambassador could weaken US authority in the country.

"I am sure the US will push Romania to remain its strategic partner and ally, by supporting the independent rule of law and improving economic ties," journalist Alina Delcea said.

Romania remains a staunch ally of the US and a strong supporter of NATO plans to boost its military presence on its eastern flank.

With a 694km-long border with Ukraine, Romania has been among the strongest regional backers of Western sanctions against Russia since it...