Romania, U.S. Begin Official Anti-Missile Shield Negotiations

The Romanian delegation comprises representatives of various state institutions, and is chaired by Bogdan Aurescu, Foreign Ministry State Secretary for Strategic Affairs.

Foreign Ministry officials said the leaders of the two delegations will meet to discuss various security-related issues, including the anti-missile defense shield and the common non-proliferation agenda. The U.S. delegation’s visit is part of the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Romania.

Tauscher and Aurescu will talk to the press Thursday, at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry.

On February 4, 2010, Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defense accepted U.S. president Barack Obama’s invitation to take part in the adaptive development of the European anti-missile defense system. According to the new approach, Romania’s entire territory will be protected against short- and average-range missile threats.