In our talks, I thanked Vice President Biden for the immediate reaction, the immediate response that the

U.S. had
when the conflict started in Ukraine and Crimea was illegally annexed.
U.S. are so demanding in their relationship with Romania that we also should be true to our word and make the rule
of law in Romania
issued of the vulnerabilities created at the Black Sea, and also we have tackled the issue of the future summit of
NATO. A great weakness, vulnerability of the region, we analyzed it, and it means the energy dependence, the very
high energy dependence on the Russian gas.
we have also reviewed the very strong rise in American investments in Romania, which created tens of thousands of
jobs.
Biden: Ive seen how countries that protect the rule of law and build strong institutions thrive, and those who do not
do not.
As we saw in the Maidan, those who don't do these things tend to face instability. They underperform in the global
economy where jobs and investment can always go somewhere else.
This is also a matter of sovereignty and independence, and even national security, all of which are undermined when
others use corruption to exercise influence in your society. Corruption saps the collective strength and resolve of a
nation. It is merely another form of tyranny. And fighting corruption is more than just about good government. Its
patriotism plain and simple.
Its important for your economy. Its important for your democracy. And its important for your freedom. And
above all, its important for the lives of citizens who deserve to know their voices will be heard in government, that
their businesses can compete fairly without bribes, that their disputes will be adjudicated transparently by a court
system that is trusted, and that no Romanian -- any more than any American -- is above the law.
Still important work ahead -- on trade, investment, energy security, all of which we discussed today and well
continue to discuss. Mr. President, the state of our alliance is already strong because of your efforts over the
years.
MB: I am one of those who demanded greater freedoms, fairness and social justice, and maybe most importantly
dignity for all the people of Romania
They want to do business where theyre treated fairly, and where there is transparency, where they know the real cup
from the phony cup.
Misunderstanding: And the most fundamental of these values is not a free market; its an open, free, and
transparent society, where corruption is viewed as the enemy, where government is honest and accountable, and
people are given a fair opportunity at success and all -- regardless of their station -- are treated with dignity.
Because as surely as a man cannot live without blood pumping through his veins, democracy cannot survive without
the active participation of its citizens.
Nor without money in his/her pocket! Free economy!!!! to young professionals holding check-a-thons to demand
honesty from politicians and hold them accountable.
I understand some of you may be here fact-checking my speech as well. And that's good. For corruption is a
complex and difficult problem to solve in all countries, but it can be solved. ,
And it can do it again. And this is an urgent time for all of Central and Eastern Europe for civil societies to be
awakened. As the saying goes, democracy is not a destination. Its a road traveled. So long as you travel this
road, you will never be alone. You will have the United States and many other countries as your allies, your friend,
your fellow free nations standing by your side because we face a different kind of threat today than we did even a
year ago. We face a different kind of threat that preys upon nations who are not just weak, but whose governments
are not solid, sustained, free of corruption