Joe Biden congratulates Romania's President-elect Klaus Iohannis

US Vice President Joe Biden in a telephone conversation on Tuesday congratulated Romania's President-elect Klaus Iohannis for the victory in the elections, noting the impressive voter turnout as a sign of a strong and healthy democracy, according to a White House release.

Joe Biden underscored the strength of the bilateral relationship and expressed appreciation for Romania's contributions to NATO, its support for Ukraine, and its efforts to degrade and defeat ISIL (the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant).

The US Vice President expressed his condolences for the loss of life in the November 21 helicopter accident and thanked Romania for its sacrifices as part of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

The US Vice President and Romania's President-elect Iohannis also discussed the critical importance of rule of law reform, both as a driver of economic growth and as a national security issue, the White House release reads. AGERPRES