President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday welcomed Chairman of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung), Martin Schulz, a former president of the European Parliament, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.

According to the Presidential Administration, the meeting was an opportunity for an analysis of the new political configuration of the European Union and its priorities for the next legislature in the wake of the June 6-9 European election.

„The President of Romania underlined the importance of unity and cohesion at European level, amidst a growing influence of extremist forces, and also the need to establish measures through which the European design better meet the needs of citizens and is adapted to current and future challenges.”

Discussed at the meeting were the geopolitical situation in the region and globally, including recent developments in the conflict in Ukraine and the ways in which the European Union will be able to strengthen its influence and competitiveness at a global level.

„President Klaus Iohannis stressed that Romania would remain a factor of stability and balance in the region and in Europe, and the consolidation of this status represents a commitment of the Romanian officials.”

The talks also revealed the excellent relationships between Romania and Germany, based on close bilateral co-operation, at European, NATO and other international level. The important role of interpersonal relations for the development of Romanian-German co-operation was also underlined, highlighting the important contribution of the German minority in Romania and the Romanian community in Germany.

Iohannis congratulated Schulz on the 30th anniversary of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation’s representation in Romania and expressed his appreciation for its sustained activity in strengthening the rule of law, good governance and participatory democracy.

AGERPRES