The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emil Hurezeanu, insisted on Monday, during the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, on advancing the European accession process of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.

The head of Romanian diplomacy participated in the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the EU member states (Foreign Affairs Council/FAC), held in Brussels, where the officials discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and EU-US relations.

According to a release from the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE) for AGERPRES, as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Romanian foreign minister expressed firm support for the establishment of a just and lasting peace, supported by solid and credible security guarantees, as well as for the continued provision of European assistance to Kyiv.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of holding Russia accountable for the aggression against Ukraine, as well as for the damage caused to it, and insisted on advancing the European accession process of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. Hurezeanu also expressed support for the initiative of High Representative Kaja Kallas regarding the consolidation and acceleration of European military support for Ukraine.

As to the situation in the Middle East, Minister Emil Hurezeanu highlighted support for a full implementation of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, including by intensifying humanitarian support, as well as the importance of high-level political dialogue with the Palestinian Authority. He welcomed the initiative of an Arab Plan in support of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip and for identifying a regional security solution.

During the discussion on EU-U.S. relations, the Romanian foreign minister stressed the unique nature of the Transatlantic Partnership and the importance of ensuring its long-term viability, the MAE informs. Emil Hurezeanu mentioned that it is necessary to continue the EU dialogue with the Washington administration, in a coordinated manner, in order to better highlight common interests and preserve the transatlantic relationship. Regarding Ukraine, he highlighted the importance of Ukraine and the EU participating in future peace negotiations. Last but not least, the Romanian official expressed support for increasing defense spending.

The Romanian foreign minister also participated in the ninth edition of the Ministerial Conference dedicated to Syria, entitled „Alongside Syria: Ensuring the Necessary Things for a Successful Transition”, the main objective of which was to gather international political and financial support for a successful transition process in this country.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Romanian foreign minister met with the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Assad Hassan Al-Shaibani. Hurezeanu conveyed Romania’s support for a peaceful and inclusive political transition process, which would meet the aspirations of all Syrians regardless of religion or ethnicity and which would also ensure the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. He also conveyed Romania’s willingness to contribute with its experience to the construction of a prosperous and stable Syria, with consolidated institutions, which can effectively respond to the multiple needs of the Syrian people.

The Romanian minister condemned the violence and crimes committed recently in Syria and stressed the importance of protecting civilians. At the same time, Emil Hurezeanu highlighted, equally, the importance of transitional justice for ensuring a stable peace in Syria.

AGERPRES