Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu on Monday welcomed the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, reiterating Romania’s support for the two-state solution.

In a press conference with Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, who is currently paying a visit to Bucharest, Toiu said that it was a significant moment in the peace agreement between Israel and Palestinian representatives. She highlighted the importance of this development and welcomed the initiative of President Trump, along with that of European partners and partners from Arab states. She emphasised that it was a day many families had hoped to see, one in which Israeli hostages, who had long suffered due to Hamas, were finally released. She also noted with hope the unblocking of much-needed humanitarian aid for families in the Gaza Strip. The Romanian minister reaffirmed her country’s continued support for these communities and its commitment to working together towards a two-state solution.

In turn, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, said the release of hostages was a cause for great joy. She acknowledged the role played by the Trump administration in facilitating the agreement.

Meinl-Reisinger said it was a joyful day for her and that she had received the news of 20 hostages being released. She recalled that in the past, there had been various situations in which Austria had maintained contact with two families whose members had been held hostage. She expressed her happiness that these families were now able to embrace their loved ones once again.

The Austrian foreign minister expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for enabling the signing of the ceasefire agreement. She added that Romania and Austria had maintained a balanced approach in recent months and that both countries remained committed to supporting the peace process in the region.

Meinl-Reisinger also stressed the importance of a strong and united Europe in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. She remarked that warfare was no longer limited to conventional means.

She pointed out that Romania is located very close to the conflict zone, on the border, and highlighted that hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and acts of espionage are particularly dangerous. She underlined the need to strengthen Europe’s resilience and ensure that Russia or other powers could not undermine European security.

Oana Toiu, in turn, underscored the importance of international solidarity and support for Ukraine.

The Romanian Foreign Affairs minister reiterated the need for broad-based international assistance and sustained efforts to support economic development in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. She also mentioned that discussions had taken place regarding future meetings between the special representatives appointed by each government to coordinate Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. AGERPRES