"More and more American investors are declaring their confidence in Romania's future. I am convinced that this vibrant new Romania can and will play an exceptional role in this region and beyond," Taubman said in his message to Romanians, on the occasion of U.S. Independence Day.

He added that "an energetic new generation of Romanian leaders in business, society and government will open the way to a future of positive opportunities for Romanians from all walks of life."

American citizens are today celebrating the 4th of July, the 231st anniversary of the founding of the United States, when the Continental Congress declared that "these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States."

"This year I will have the honor to host a Fourth of July celebration in a Romania that is now within the borders of the European Union—a development that the United States has long advocated," Taubman said in his message.

He also spoke of the establishment of joint Romanian-U.S. military facilities, "a tangible symbol of the rock-solid alliance between our two countries."

Romanian and U.S. soldiers are already fighting side-by-side in Afghanistan and Iraq, and helping secure the Western Balkans. "Now we will be able to train together, for months at a time, here on Romanian soil, alongside troops from other NATO partners," Taubman added.

"An energetic new generation of Romanian leaders in business, society and government will open the way to a future of positive opportunities for Romanians from all walks of life Nicholas Taubman U.S. ambasador to romania