President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday stated, after the meeting with his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, that he welcomed Italy’s valuable contribution to the security of Romania’s neighbouring areas, noting that the two countries will continue to work together and with all the other allies to strengthen NATO’s role in preventing any war and defending the two states.

„I am honoured to have the president of the Italian Republic, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, as a guest today, at the Cotroceni Palace, on the occasion of his official visit to Romania. Mr. President, welcome! Mr. President Sergio Mattarella is a good friend of Romania, and our meeting today continues the constant dialogue that we have. We are connected to Italy by a common history, deep ties, a consolidated Strategic Partnership, an exceptional economic and commercial dynamic, but also by what constitutes the soul of this relationship – the Romanian communities in Italy and the Italian community in Romania, which are very well integrated and important communities for the development of our societies,” Klaus Iohannis told a joint press conference with the president of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

He also said that the two countries have „solid foundations” for the development of bilateral relations, of cooperation on multiple levels, including within the European and Euro-Atlantic frameworks.

„I expressed my appreciation for the solid community of Italian entrepreneurs, who are very welcomed in Romania, and I welcomed the growth of entrepreneurial initiatives of Romanians residents in Italy, who actively contribute to the economic and cultural life of their adopted country. Last year’s figures indicate bilateral exchanges that reached already 20 billion euros,” added the Romanian head of state.

He further emphasised the development of privileged bilateral relations in the field of culture and the organization of a large-scale archaeological exhibition in Rome, under the joint patronage of Romania and Italy – „Dacia. The Last Frontier of the Roman World.”

He mentioned that he also discussed with his Italian counterpart aspects related to the consolidation of the common European family, noting that he stressed „how significant the rigorous planning of the European Union’s strategic agenda for the next period is.”

The head of states then discussed the results of the European elections that have just ended.

„I highlighted that the significant voter turnout is a proof of the interest of the European citizens in the future of the European project and its benefits. However, there is still room for improvement when it comes to the number of people coming to vote for the European Parliament. The European Union is the most relevant political project of Europe, which brought peace and prosperity, it is our destiny and future. If the European Union strengthens the principles of solidarity and internal cohesion, its position in the world will certainly be strengthened,” Iohannis said.

He then appreciated Italy’s involvement in the NATO Air Police missions in Romania.

„We welcomed Italy’s valuable contribution to the security of Romania’s neighbouring areas, both in the Western Balkans and in the Black Sea region. We greatly appreciate the participation that Italy has had and will have, in the coming years, in the Air Police of NATO in Romania,” Iohannis added.

The president also showed that he discussed with his Italian counterpart about the war that Russia continues to wage against Ukraine.

„I also discussed with Mr. President our security concerns generated by the war that Russia continues to wage against Ukraine, with a strong negative impact for the region, but also for the entire Euro-Atlantic area. We will continue to work together with Italy and all our allies for strengthening NATO’s role in preventing any war and defending our states, by strengthening its deterrence and defence position on the Eastern Flank, but also on the Southern Flank,” Iohannis said.

According to the head of state, the Republic of Moldova is the partner most affected by the war and must be given all the necessary support.

„I congratulate Mr. President for the results of the visit he just paid to Chisinau. I am happy that, together, we concretely and decisively support the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union. The Republic of Moldova is our partner most affected by the war and we must make sure that we give it all the necessary support. Last but not least, I convey our appreciation for the Italian Presidency of the G7, which has already taken exceptional initiatives and responded adequately to the current major international challenges,” Iohannis said.

The President of the Italian Republic is currently paying an official visit to Bucharest, at the invitation of the Romanian head of state. The Italian official will have separate meetings with the president of the Senate, Nicolae Ciuca, and with PM Marcel Ciolacu.

AGERPRES