Coordinates of Romania’s foreign policy
President Klaus Iohannis has presented foreign ambassadors in Romania the countrys main foreign policy goals.
Daniela Budu, 17.01.2020, 14:00
Romanias foreign policy will continue to be defined by continuity and predictability. However, some nuances will change, in order to give it more coherence and consistency, President Klaus Iohannis has told foreign ambassadors in Bucharest. According to Iohannis, Romanias NATO and EU membership and the strategic partnership with the US remain the main pillars of the countrys foreign policy in 2020 as well. In the current international context, that deals with risks, challenges and threats, the need for a strong, united and effective NATO is bigger than ever, the President has explained. Moreover, joining the Schengen area and the eurozone are also priority goals, Iohannis has pointed out. The President has also mentioned Brexit.
Klaus Iohannis: “We will continue to make efforts in order to become Schengen members, which will significantly contribute to strengthening security for the entire free circulation area in the Union and also for joining the eurozone, when all conditions are met. The United Kingdom will soon withdraw from the European Union. It is a moment we did not wish for, but we will act in a manner likely to maintain the strong friendship and alliance that we have had so far. Also, we want to modernize the strategic partnership between Romania and the United Kingdom which we are working on at present.
On the other hand, the President referred to the recent situation in the Middle East and pointed out that the negative effects of this crisis have an impact on the European and global security.
Klaus Iohannis: “Romania supports the attempts of the EU, which needs to get more involved, of its strategic partners and of the international community to ease tensions through dialogue and to look for the best solutions. The solutions that are found must be good enough to bring peace to the area and safety for the citizens, whether they are from the Middle East, Europe, or other regions, for both the situation in Iraq and Libya. Progress is needed in the Syrian file, for Yemen and also as regards the peace process in the Middle East, in which case Romanias stand is unchanged.
As regards the relations with Moldova, Iohannis has explained that Bucharest will resume full cooperation with Chisinau when it is convinced that the neighboring countrys government continues its European path and the reforms in the justice system, administration and fighting corruption.
(Translated by Elena Enache)
