BUCHAREST, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday voiced his appreciation for the Romanian government's endorsement of the new missile shield plan initiated by the Obama administration.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the Central University Library in Bucharest Oct. 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Biden, at a joint press conference with Romanian President Traian Basescu, stressed that the United States and Romania are allies and partners within NATO.

    Biden said he had a serious and honest meeting with Basescu. NATO remains an organization in which the two countries are supporting each other, he added.

    He said the SM-3 system, which will replace a plan proposed by former U.S. President George W. Bush, "is a better architecture" and has the benefit of protecting Europe and the United States more effectively.

    Biden also stressed the Romanian military in Afghanistan fulfills their missions "with great skill in very difficult regions" and the U.S. is very grateful for their service and sacrifice.

    Basescu said he and Biden noticed the need for further consolidation of the Romanian-U.S. strategic partnership.

    He said they discussed bilateral political and economic issues, as well as matters related to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    "As far as security is concerned, Romania's opinion is similar to that of the U.S. side that security within NATO is indivisible," said Basescu.

    Biden arrived from Warsaw. He leaves for Prague Friday.