Romania is a strategic partner with common goals and wins. A Schengen land border removal date is needed shortly. OECD membership and Black Sea security are our goals.
BGNES reported that Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Maria Gabriel stated this at a news conference after meeting Romanian colleague Luminica Odobescu.
Ministerial delegations discussed bilateral and international issues. Today marks the first Romanian foreign minister visit in over a decade.
We celebrate 20 years in NATO and one year after signing the strategic cooperation deal. Romania is a key partner. We share goals and wins. Gabriel stated our cooperation helps NATO, the EU, and the region.
Both sides discussed the North-South route, infrastructure development, including a new Danube bridge, and energy diversification. Energy, technology, and innovation cooperation for South-Eastern Europe's sustainability was examined.
Maria Gabriel remarked we achieved a key goal. Cooperation got us into Schengen. Schengen land borders must be removed soon "said, adding that joining the OECD is a priority.
Gabriel said both states must maintain Black Sea security. Black Sea anti-mine group succeeds.
Odobescu endorsed our strategic partnerships. She suggested boosting 8 billion Euros in trade.
We value stronger connections. We're improving Danube navigation using Fast Danube. This will enhance Ukrainian grain exports and recovery. A Romanian official claimed the Giurgiu-Ruse bridge project is well-coordinated.
Both nations aspire to boost energy sustainability through integrated green transition programs, Odobescu added.
Ukraine, Moldova, and the Western Balkans, EU candidate states, need tangible support to achieve standards, the foreign minister said.
The Moldovan situation and institutional capacity growth were analyzed. Odobescu said Bulgaria and Romania would collaborate on Schengen-based initiatives to reduce EU internal border inspections./BGNES
