Romania has offered to cover some costs of keeping US troops in the country, foreign minister says
Romania has made an offer to the United States to cover some of the costs of keeping American troops on its territory, Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu said. He gave no figures, saying talks are ongoing and no final decision has been taken.
Speaking on TVR Info on Thursday evening, 29 October, Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu said Romania is "in dialogue" with Washington over costs it could take on to secure the presence of US troops in the country, and that Bucharest has put an offer to the American side.
"We have decided at national level that it is a major strategic interest for the United States to have a presence in Romania," Neculăescu said. He declined to say how much the costs might be or where the money would come from, explaining that the details are still being discussed and "probably have not even been set yet".
Asked about the possibility of US troops being withdrawn, the minister said he could not predict "something that has not happened yet" and described security relations with Washington as very good. He said presidential national security adviser Marius Lazurca is in the United States this week for talks with senior administration officials.
"We have a great deal to offer and I believe the United States will be receptive to our arguments," Neculăescu said, pointing to the stability Romania brings to the Black Sea region. "It remains to be seen what the final decision is, but I am optimistic."