Embassy Press Release

Ambassador Nicholas Taubman’s remarks at the reception in honor of the new Romanian Ambassador to the U.S. Adrian Vierita
November 29, 2007
Bucharest

Romanian Ambassador to U.S. Adrian Vierita(L) and Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman (R).

Thank you for coming this evening.

I simply have to say – we have waited a long time for this moment! But the wait was worth it. Romania will have a superb Ambassador in Washington again beginning next month.

Ambassador Adrian Vierita is one of Romania’s finest and most accomplished diplomats – in a diplomatic corps that is full of stars. Adrian proved that in Berlin where he was Romania’s ambassador in a critical period. And he proved that here in Bucharest, where he had the daunting task as State Secretary of trying to take care of Romania’s relationships both with the rest of Europe and with the United States.

Ambassador Vierita, I also want to welcome your wife, Codrina, tonight. Behind any successful envoy – in this capital and in Washington – is a strong, caring partner. Just as Jenny keeps me pointed in the right direction here, I know that Codrina will be your most important advisor and confidante there.

Let me say a few words about the relationship between our two countries. When we say that Romania is one of our closest allies and friends, we mean it. This is a strategic partnership in deeds, not just in words. You will hear the same from President Bush, from Secretary Rice, and from many other people you meet in the United States.

As we enter the holiday season, it is natural that our thoughts turn to the brave military professionals Romania has sent in harm’s way: in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in the Western Balkans. But the deep friendship and strong people-to-people connections between our two countries are just as important. I know you and I will be working together to promote more trade and investment between our two countries. The word is getting out about Romania’s great potential, and the remarkable talents of the Romanian people. And I also want us to build bridges among younger Americans and Romanians, through education, through culture and through more travel, in both directions.

I think you’re in for an exciting time. It’s a big job but you are more than up to it. And you will continue the line of outstanding envoys who have represented Romania so well in my capital: my friend Mircea Geoana, who is with us tonight, and Sorin Ducaru, who has been doing such important work for your country in NATO.

I know I will see you again before your departure, but just in case, and on behalf of your many friends and colleagues here tonight: Drum bun si multa sanatate!

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