The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luminita Odobescu, reiterated, on Monday, at the meeting of heads of diplomacy from EU member states, the importance of continuing multidimensional support for Ukraine, and welcomed the adoption of the 15th package of sanctions against Russia.

According to the Foreign Ministry (MAE), the agenda of the meeting included the following topics: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in Georgia, the situation in the Middle East and Syria, as well as the situation in Belarus. Also, during an informal breakfast, the Romanian minister participated in a discussion about ways to make the EU’s foreign policy more efficient in the context of Kaja Kallas taking over, on December 1, the position of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Policy of Security and vice-president of the European Commission.

„The discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine emphasized the reiteration of the EU’s firm message of support for Ukraine, at all levels, under the mandate of the new European Commission. Minister Luminita Odobescu reiterated the importance of continuing multidimensional support for Ukraine”, according to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to AGERPRES.

She welcomed the adoption of the 15th package of sanctions against Russia, as well as a first set of listings within the sanctions regime regarding Russia’s hybrid actions.

She emphasized that these listings represent a firm response of the EU to Russia’s involvement in destabilizing neighboring partners and EU member states. She pointed out the importance of the EU using all available tools to counter the effects of disinformation and the hybrid campaign to strengthen the resilience of European democracies. She also supported the fastest possible unlocking of the European Peace Instrument/EPF, as well as the strengthening of the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission/EUMAM in order to better respond to the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces on the ground”, the MAE informs.

Regarding the situation in Georgia, the head of Romanian diplomacy expressed her disappointment at the interruption by the Georgian Government of the dialogue for EU accession. The Romanian minister expressed concern about the violent repression of the protests by the authorities and supported the adoption of a gradual approach in the EU’s response to the developments in Tbilisi. She underscored the need for EU measures to be gradual, well-targeted and reversible in order not to affect the European aspirations of Georgians.

The discussions on the developments in the Middle East focused on the developments in Syria following the fall of the Assad dictatorial regime.

Minister Luminita Odobescu expressed her support for a free and prosperous future of Syria. She highlighted the need for a peaceful transfer of power, ensuring fundamental rights for all Syrians, including minorities. She pleaded for coordination with international (U.S., UK and UN) and regional partners regarding the future of Syria (Turkey and the Arab countries).

As to Lebanon, she expressed support for EU measures to facilitate the implementation of the cease-fire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, as well as Resolution 1701 of the UN Security Council.

The Romanian foreign minister supported the resumption of the organization of the EU-Israel Association Council as quickly as possible.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, she reiterated her support for obtaining a new ceasefire agreement and the importance of implementing the two-state solution and strengthening the Palestinian Authority. Odobescu mentioned the most recent efforts of Romania in the humanitarian field, both in Gaza and in Lebanon.

During the discussions on Belarus, she welcomed the adoption of a new package of restrictive measures against this country and reaffirmed his support for the democratic opposition and human rights activists.

AGERPRES