Italian President Sergio Mattarella expressed his country's full support for Romania's full membership in the Schengen area.
He met with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis in the Romanian capital, Agerpress reported.
Mattarella indicated that he would like the European Council to abolish land borders for Bucharest.
"We hold this condition very dear and insist," he said.
At the joint press conference with his Italian counterpart, Iohannis stated that Romania highly appreciates Italy's efforts in the region. "President Sergio Mattarella is a good friend of Romania and today's meeting is a natural continuation of the constant dialogue we have. Italy has a common history with us, deep ties, a consolidated strategic partnership, an exceptional economic and trade dynamic and what constitutes the heart of these relations - the communities of Romanians in Italy and of Italians in Romania, communities that are very well integrated and important for the development of our societies," said Iohannis.
He expressed gratitude to Italian entrepreneurs and welcomed the increase in entrepreneurial initiatives of Romanians residing in Italy, who actively contribute to the economic and cultural life of their host country.
"Last year's figures show that bilateral trade reached 20 billion euros. I also welcomed the development of privileged bilateral relations in the field of culture and the organization of a large-scale archaeological exhibition in Rome under our joint patronage - "Dacia. The last frontier of the Romans", which is part of the series of large-scale cultural diplomatic actions organized over the years by Romania in the capital of Italy", the head of state also noted.
Iohannis added that he had discussed with his Italian counterpart aspects related to the EU's strategic agenda. "The European Union is the most significant political project in Europe, which has brought peace and prosperity and is our destiny and future. If the European Union strengthens the principles of solidarity and internal cohesion, its position in the world will undoubtedly strengthen," explained the president.
He also noted Italy's contribution to the security of the Western Balkans and the Black Sea region. "We highly appreciate Italy's past and future participation in NATO Air Policing in Romania. I also discussed with the President our security concerns arising from the ongoing war that Russia is waging against Ukraine, which has a strong negative impact on the region and the entire Euro-Atlantic space," Iohannis said.
This year, Romania and Italy celebrate 145 years of diplomatic relations and 60 years of embassy-level ties. | BGNES
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