Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday stated that Turkey is Romania’s most important non-EU trade partner, with trade relations between the two countries accounting for almost 10 billion US dollars.

The head of the Executive participated in a broadcast at Romania TV private television station, where the journalist wanted to know what did our country offer to Turkey in exchange for removing the obligation for Romanians to present their passports when going to Turkey.

„Absolutely nothing. [Turkey is] the most important non-EU trade partner of Romania, with trade relations between the two countries amounting to almost 10 billion US dollars, while it is very likely they will reach 15 billion (…) So this is just showing respect for a neighbouring state and a friendly state. When there was an earthquake in Turkey, the first state that went there to help and save as many lives as possible was Romania. There are things one cannot forget,” replied prime minister Ciolacu.

Also, the head of the Government was asked if there is an interest on behalf of Turkey to have Romania buy armaments from this country.

„All the armaments in Romania are made competitively. And I want to change the paradigm, so that regardless of the contracts we make, we should focus to make important components right here, in our defence industry. (…) Everyone has an interest, but it is normal to have one. President Erdogan did not ask me about the armament companies. Instead, I said very clearly that, if Turkey wins any tender at the Ministry of Defence [that is it – editor’s note], but you know that I want the armament to be produced here, in Romania, for we have the capabilities and we have the energy,” prime minister Ciolacu said.

The head of the Executive, accompanied by a delegation of ministers, was in Ankara on an official visit on Tuesday, at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

AGERPRES