Bucharest, January 20, 2025 – RBJ – According to press information, Dr. Nawaf Salameh and General James L. Jones are launching the American Romanian Business Roundtable (ARBR), an elite platform designed to strengthen Romanian-American relations through economic and strategic cooperation in the field of defense.
Dr. Nawaf Salameh, Founder and President of the Nawaf Salameh Family Office, and General James L. Jones, former Supreme Allied Commander NATO, will sign the partnership agreement in Washington D.C., on January 21, following the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. The American Romanian Business Roundtable will encourage collaboration in critical sectors, such as defense, energy, trade and technology.
Dr. Nawaf Salameh, a key supporter of strengthening Romanian-American relations, emphasizes the importance of economic engagement as a foundation for a resilient strategic partnership. “Strengthening economic ties between the United States and Romania is not just about trade; it is the cornerstone of stability, growth, and mutual respect,” said Dr. Salameh. His vision for expanded collaboration seeks to bring diverse stakeholders together to create trust and opportunities for mutual growth.
General James L. Jones, former Supreme Allied Commander NATO, highlights the intrinsic connection between economic security and defense readiness. “A stable and robust economic infrastructure is essential for regional security and for achieving NATO’s collective defense objectives,” noted General Jones. “Romania has been a critical partner and friend to both NATO and the United States for decades.” He emphasizes the importance of energy security and innovation in aligning economic development with strategic defense priorities.
Key pillars of ARBR include:
>>> Defense and Energy Collaboration: Facilitating partnerships between U.S. and Romanian companies to strengthen the bilateral defense industrial base, enhance energy security, develop advanced defense technologies, and support NATO operational capabilities.
>>> Economic and Trade Growth: Promoting bilateral business relations and developing trade and collaboration between the United States and Romania to stimulate sustainable investment and enhance the economic resilience of both nations.
>>> Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, and Workforce Development: Organizing initiatives that emphasize advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and workforce training to prepare future leaders and improve cross-border collaboration.
The American Romanian Business Roundtable (ARBR) was created to strengthen trade ties and deepen Romanian-American relations. As a membership organization, ARBR will bring together leading Romanian and U.S. private sector companies from critical industries. It will serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, organizing high-profile events and delegations, such as the Defense Industry Bilateral Meeting, to address shared strategic priorities.
ARBR will play a key role in facilitating dialogues on energy security and infrastructure resilience, highlighting the importance of energy in promoting sustainable economic growth and regional stability. These initiatives will not only enhance economic partnerships, but will also contribute to broader stability in Eastern Europe.
These efforts will include addressing the growing importance of digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data sovereignty to ensure secure and resilient technological progress. To strengthen people-to-people ties, ARBR will also focus on cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and youth leadership initiatives to promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and Romania.
A central objective of ARBR is to support and enhance Romania’s critical contributions as a regional hub and accelerate Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. This includes the development of the Port of Constanta, a strategic gateway connecting the Black Sea with Central and Eastern Europe.