The presence of some former dignitaries of the Romanian state at the ceremony in Beijing was their option and took place at the invitation of the President of the People’s Republic of China, interim Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Sorin Grindeanu mentioned on Thursday.
„I want my point of view to be very clear regarding the participation of former Prime Ministers Adrian Nastase and Viorica Dancila at the ceremony in Beijing. The presence of some former dignitaries of the Romanian state was their option and took place at the invitation of the President of the People’s Republic of China. The two of them are no longer members of the PSD and, as such, I did not have any discussion with them. Neither before, nor after the visit to Beijing. As Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies I have the duty to avoid any ambiguity that could be interpreted as a strategic message outside our international commitments. It is not about interdictions, but about institutional responsibility,” Sorin Grindeanu wrote on Thursday on his Facebook page.
He underscored that Romania’s foreign policy has two levels – security and economy.
„Security: we are and remain firmly anchored in the commitments deriving from the status as a member state of the European Union and NATO. This is not a slogan, it is our strategic obligation. I don’t believe that we can seek protection or military alliances outside this framework. And I believe that this is the correct attitude and I will not distance myself from it. Economy: we want commercial relations and investments with state actors that observe Romania’s interests, European rules and Euro-Atlantic security standards. China has been and remains an important economic partner of Romania and our relations are close. I hope they shall develop in the medium and long term,” Grindeanu pointed out.
This is why, the interim leader of the PSD said „the vision of Romania’s Foreign Affairs Ministry must take into account all the important levels for the development and strengthening of our presence at international level through consistent contributions, backed by pragmatism and a more active involvement of economic diplomacy.”
„In order to promote efficiently the legitimate interests in this difficult geopolitical context, firstly, there is a need for a lucid analysis and clarifications at internal level. Foreign policy is not a place for emotional approaches tied to party rhetoric. Romanian diplomacy already carries a heavy burden of responsibility,” Sorin Grindeanu concluded.
His clarifications come after a photo was released in the media the day before showing former Prime Ministers Adrian Nastase and Viorica Dancila alongside the presidents of the Russian Federation and China.
AGERPRES
