21 January, 2016
Romanian foreign policy summary, PM Ciolos visits Paris
Corina Cristea, 21.01.2016, 11:59
Today, President Klaus Iohannis met in Bucharest the heads of foreign diplomatic missions. He said that Romanias foreign policy is founded on the strategic partnership with the US, as well as EU and NATO membership. He added that migration, terrorism and instability were the most visible and high impact challenges to be met in 2016. Iohannis also said that Romania still seeks membership in the Schengen area, in spite of its being under consideration at this time. The head of state noted that 2015 was a new beginning for politics in Romania, which should be continued in 2016 in terms of social dialog, social responsibility and institutional professionalism.
Romanian PM Dacian Ciolos continues his official visit to Paris. During his visit he is scheduled to meet French business representatives. The head of the Romanian government wants to invite SMEs to Romania, especially in relation to the food and energy sectors. At the same time, the PM wants to highlight business opportunities for Romanian exporters. Yesterday, the head of the government in Bucharest said that economic aspects were the main reasons for his visit to Paris. During his lunch with President Hollande and PM Valls he also discussed enhancing economic cooperation. You can find out more in our report after the news.
A new government has been sworn in by neighboring Republic of Moldova, saluted by the government in Bucharest officially in a press release. The same release says that Romania is completely committed to the development of the bilateral strategic partnership with its eastern neighbor, encouraging mutual projects, reaffirming its willingness to support all efforts made by Moldova in implementing its European and reform agenda. Moldovas Parliament voted to endorse a pro-western coalition government led by Pavel Filip. Thousands protested at the Parliament building right after the vote, calling for early elections, angered by corruption and by the political class. New protests have been scheduled for today in Chisinau.
In Romania, the code yellow alert for very low temperatures has been extended to Monday, covering most of Romania, with the exception of 5 counties in the west and north west. Temperatures overnight will often go as low as – 15 to – 20 degrees, occasionally reaching -28 degrees in places. Today, skies will be overcast mostly, with slow winds and flurries. Maximums will be between – 9 and +2 degrees.
The assassination of Russian spy Aleksandr Litvinenko was ‘most likely ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the report resulting from a public inquiry by British legal authorities. The former FSB agent died in 2006 in a British hospital, poisoned with Polonium 210. Moscow has refused requests for the extradition of the two main suspects, Andrei Lugovoy former FSB agent and at present representative in the Russian parliament, and businessman Dmitri Kovtun, also associated with Russian intelligence. Litvinenko was a verbal critic of the Putin regime, and worked with British and Spanish intelligence. The Russian presidents spokesperson said that the investigation would have no bearing in Russia, and that there would be no response from the Kremlin on the issue.
Romanian Defense Minister Mihnea Motoc is today on an official visit to Brussels, to hold talks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and his Belgian counterpart, Steven Vandeput, according to the Defense Ministry. The Romanian official is scheduled to also meet with General Petr Pavel, Chairman of NATOs Military Committee. Motoc will also visit Romanians injured in the deadly October 30th fire in a Bucharest club, under treatment in at Queen Astrid Hospital in the Belgian capital.
