Romania’s Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu on Wednesday welcomed France’s Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad to discuss fighting against disinformation and hybrid actions.
„The meeting provided an opportunity to analyse ways of cooperation on combatting foreign interference, disinformation and hybrid actions,” according to the Romanian Foreign Ministry (MAE).
Also discussed at the meeting were cooperation between Romania and France reflected in a strategic partnership that is solid and extended bilaterally, at the level of the European Union, the North Atlantic Alliance and globally, in various multilateral formats.
Hurezeanu welcomed the excellent level of the Romanian-French bilateral relationships, in an anniversary context, marked by the celebration, this year, of the 145th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations.
He underlined the special significance of the Romanian-French cooperation in the field of security, reiterating the appreciation of the Romanian side for France’s contribution to strengthening the security of the eastern flank by becoming a framework nation of the NATO Battle Group in Cincu.
In the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the two officials reiterated their strong support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and pointed to the importance of continuing multidimensional support for Ukraine.
At the same time, special attention was paid to the latest developments in Moldova, with Hurezeanu underlining Romania’s constant efforts, at bilateral level, to ensure the supply of electricity and natural gas to Moldova, as well as to intensify the support provided to the same country for advancing on its European path.
Haddad also met MAE senior official for European affairs Clara Staicu.
During the discussions, the importance of European unity of action was underlined by both sides amidst numerous geopolitical challenges, and support for the common European objectives was reiterated.
Ways to strengthen European cooperation to ensure economic security and competitiveness, strengthen the EU’s resilience and capacity to prepare for future crises, counter hybrid threats and foreign interference in democratic processes at union level and strengthen the European defence dimension and advance enlargement policy as a strategic investment of the Union were discussed.
Staicu reiterated Romania’s openness to strengthen cooperation between Romania and France on issues of shared interest, mentioning the convergence of opinions on files such as strengthening the European Union’s energy security, including on the basis of the use of low-carbon energy sources and the interest in promoting balanced solutions to support the transition process of energy-intensive industries.
She also mentioned the active support that both Romania and France provide to Moldova and its European path.
Part of the visit, the Diplomatic Archives Unit mounted an exhibition in the MAE lobby highlighting key moments in this relationship. A logo dedicated to the 145th anniversary of diplomatic ties designed by the Romanian artist Mircea Cantor was also presented.
AGERPRES
