FOREIGN MINISTER CIOROIANU: In Washington, yes.

SECRETARY RICE: Well, good. Well let me welcome you. Let me welcome the Foreign Minister of Romania. He was just telling me that this is his first official visit, and we are honored that you would do so. This is the time when we have a chance to talk about our great partnership in many areas of the world --

FOREIGN MINISTER CIOROIANU: Yes, yes, that's correct.

SECRETARY RICE: -- including with Afghanistan and with Iraq. And let me just take this opportunity to say that, I'm sure the Minister joins me in condemning the bombing of the --

FOREIGN MINISTER CIOROIANU: Of course.

SECRETARY RICE: -- mosque in Samarra. It is a time when the Iraqi people need to draw together against their common enemy because this common enemy is trying to tear the Iraqi people apart. I know that the Prime Minister has made comments about the importance of reconciliation of all Iraqis staying together.

FOREIGN MINISTER CIOROIANU: Yes.

SECRETARY RICE: And the Minister and I will have a chance to talk about that. But our best wishes go out to the Iraqi people and our condolences for what happened there. Thank you very much.

FOREIGN MINISTER CIOROIANU: Thank you very much.

2007/475