Romania will play a vital role in consolidating energy security and diversifying supply sources in the region by developing offshore gas resources from the Black Sea and participating in regional initiatives in the field, the US ambassador to Romania, Kathleen A. Kavalec, said on Wednesday.
“Romania will play a vital role in strengthening energy security and diversifying supply sources in the region by developing offshore gas resources in the Black Sea, expanding interconnectors with neighboring countries and participating in regional initiatives, such as the Black Sea submarine electric cable,” said Kathleen A. Kavalec at the US Economic Forum – Romania: Innovation for Prosperity, a satellite event of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Business Forum, hosted by our country this year.
It also welcomed Romania’s “recent efforts” to improve transport links and mobility in the region by modernizing road and rail networks, as well as by modernizing its ports, according to Agerpres.
The American diplomat emphasized that, similarly, Romania can promote digital transformation and innovation in the region by expanding broadband connectivity, developing e-government services and supporting regional initiatives such as the “Three Seas Digital Highway”.
“The USA is ready to support Romania and its partners in the pursuit of these and other projects that promote common interests and values. That is why we have promised up to 300 million dollars in financing some projects within the 3 Seas Initiative through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation,” said Kathleen A. Kavalec.
Referring to the economic partnership between the USA and Romania, Ambassador Kavalec signaled that an important step is the inclusion of Romania in the Visa Waiver program, which will allow Romanian citizens to travel to the USA without a visa.
“We appreciate Romania’s efforts to meet the technical criteria for admission to the Visa Waiver program, as well as the continuation of cooperation in matters related to security and law enforcement,” said the US ambassador.
“One of the criteria for the Visa Waiver program is a low visa denial rate, so we want as many qualified applicants as possible, and I encourage all Romanians to review their American visa anytime after October 1,” added Kathleen A. Kavalec.