Romania’s Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan on Friday welcomed visiting German Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum to discuss the excellent relations between Romania and Germany, both bilaterally and inside the European Union and Nato.

„Germany is Romania’s main trading partner. I want to thank the German businesspeople for investing in the country, creating jobs and contributing to supporting Romanian exports and the national economy,” Bolojan is quoted as saying in a press statement released by the government.

According to the PM, economic cooperation can be extended moving area, especially in areas such as security and defence, given Romania’s opportunities to access approximately EUR 16.68 billion under the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme.

„By the end of November, we will finalise the list of national projects that will be financed under this loan programme because Romania’s benefit will consist in equipping the army, developing the national defence industry and transferring technologies to the Romanian economy,” Bolojan said.

The PM added that ay the same time with developing defence technology cooperation, Romania is interested in strengthening the European commitment to security and defence.

Minister Krichbaum said that Germany will continue to support the military defence on NATO’s eastern flank, the continued participation with military troops in Romania and the bilateral collaboration in the field of military capabilities.

The two officials also discussed support for Moldova.

Bolojan said that Romania will continue to firmly support the European journey of Moldova and the opening of EU accession negotiations as soon as possible.

Also attending the meeting at the Government House were Romania’s Foreign Minister Oana Toiu, Head of Romania’s Prime Minister’s Chancellery Mihai Jurca, and senior official with the Chancellery of Prime Minister Dragos Hotea. AGERPRES