Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana Toiu welcomed Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Romania Stefan Tomasevic on Thursday for a farewell visit, on which occasion, the Romanian official emphasised the importance of the Romanian minority in Serbia and the Serbian minority in Romania in developing bilateral cooperation.

According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) press release, the Romanian minister appreciated the good collaboration between the Ministry and the Serbian ambassador during his mandate in Bucharest, which contributed to the intensification of political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as economic and sectoral cooperation, including at cross-border level.

The minister also conveyed the need to continue this cooperation at a steady pace, including for the implementation of important connectivity projects for both parties, such as the Timisoara-Belgrade motorway, the Arad-Mokrin gas pipeline, or the resumption of passenger railway connections.

„The Romanian minister emphasised the importance of the Romanian minority in Serbia and the Serbian minority in Romania in developing bilateral cooperation. In this context, she highlighted that respecting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, including preserving their cultural identity, is essential,” the Ministry release reads.

The Romanian official reaffirmed support for the European path of the Republic of Serbia, underlining the Romanian Government’s commitment to actively contribute to the EU’s enlargement beyond Romania’s borders.

In this regard, Romania is prepared to offer expertise to support Serbia’s efforts towards the reforms required by the European agenda.

AGERPRES