Romanian President Awards Outgoing U.S. Ambassador With High Romanain Order

According to the decree signed by the president, the decoration granted to the U.S. ambassador was proposed by the foreign affairs minister for Taubman’s remarkable contribution in reforming Romanian public institutions and his efforts toward the development of Romanian-American relations.

 

In his speech, Basescu listed the key achievements in the U.S. ambassador’s mandate, including the Agreement for the access of U.S. troops in Romania, the strengthening of military relations between Romania and the United States, “be it in the Western Balkans, Iraq or Afghanistan", and the fact that the strategic partnership between the two countries has gained a strong economic aspect.

 

"It is also true that it was during your mandate that we strengthened the Black Sea Partnership, and it is no less important that Romanian companies have been promoted in the United States at the initiative of the Ambassador,” Basescu said.

 

The head of state added Taubman’s involvement in Romanian reforms was “welcome”.

 

"Thank you, Ambassador, for your close and honest observation of Romanian realities. (...) Thank you for your enormous support in the correct communication of information to the U.S. administration that allowed us to host in Bucharest the biggest NATO summit in the history of the Alliance. Mister Ambassador, I regret your departure and I hope your successor will be as close to Romania as you have," Basescu said.

 

In his turn, Taubman thanked Basescu for the distinction he was granted and said he accepts it with the feeling that nothing one does is ever enough.

 

Taubman added Romania has a bright future ahead, as it is the most successful country in the Balkans.

 

“I am honored to receive the Star of Romania. Many American and Romanian colleagues have helped make this award possible. My three years as Ambassador here have been some of the most rewarding in my life. My wife, Jenny, and I will return to the United States with many warm memories of our time here and of the many friends we have made. We thank you for this honor and wish Romania and Romanians all the best," Taubman said.

 

United States Ambassador to Bucharest, Nicholas F. Taubman, presented his credentials to President Basescu on December 5, 2005 and will depart Romania next week. The position will be taken over by attaché Jerry Guthrie-Corn until the appointment of a new ambassador of the Obama administration.