President Klaus Iohannis had a telephone conversation with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Van der Bellen, at the initiative of the Austrian side,followed by the decision to send the Romanian ambassador back to Vienna, according to Agerpres.

According to a press release of the Presidential Administration, Klaus Iohannis told Van der Bellen that the negative vote expressed by Austria in the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting on Romania’s accession to the Schengen area generated disappointment among Romanian citizens.

„The President of Romania showed that this vote was all the more difficult to understand as it does not reflect the good existing relations between the two countries and the close cooperation in multiple fields, including that of Home Affairs, nor does it reflect the reality related to the source of issues invoked by Austria regarding illegal migration,” the press release states.

Klaus Iohannis highlighted that Romania is and will continue to be a security provider and will continue to effectively protect the external border of the EU, in the interest of all European citizens, as it has done so far.

The head of state thanked for the support publicly expressed by his Austrian counterpart for our country’s accession to Schengen and showed that the numerous messages of support from the political, economic and social environment of this country are clear signals that Romania’s place is in the free movement space and a solution can be identified.

„President Klaus Iohannis highlighted the direct and priority interest of our country so that Austria’s current position change as soon as possible, the Austrian Government adopt a constructive and cooperation-oriented attitude, so that the goal of Romania’s accession to Schengen is achieved this year,” indicates the Presidential Administration.

Moreover, the head of state expressed the openness of the Romanian authorities to work together, on a bilateral and European level, to implement the solutions identified to reduce illegal migration on the Balkan route, thus responding to the concerns raised by Austria. In fact, these proposals and the Romanian side’s willingness to contribute with solutions have been repeatedly presented to the Austrian authorities, the press release further mentions.

The Presidential Administration informs that, following the discussion, President Klaus Iohannis decided to send the Romanian ambassador back to Vienna. Emil Hurezeanu was called to the country for consultations on December 9, 2022.

„This approach represents a gesture of openness on behalf of Romania for the identification of constructive solutions and the facilitation of a dynamic dialogue, on all available channels,” underlines the cited source.

The two presidents also had an exchange of views regarding the security developments in the region and the support granted to Ukraine.

Agerpres