US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulates Romania 20 years after the 1989 Revolution and underlines that the United States "are proud to call Romania a trusted friend and ally", according to a message published on the State Department website.

"Today is an opportunity to celebrate the great progress Romania has achieved in the years since those fateful December days. Twenty years ago, no one knew what would emerge from the ruins of Communism. But because of the determination and courage of the Romanian people, today their country stands as a strong democracy, a vibrant new member of the European Union, and a valued member of NATO", the communiqué reads.

"The United States is proud to call Romania a trusted friend and ally. On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Romania on twenty years of democracy. On this historic occasion, let us recommit ourselves to the values championed by the brave men and women of 1989 -- democracy, human rights, the rule of law -- and to working together to meet the challenges of the 21st century", the message concludes.