Priorities of the Romanian foreign policy

The Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu spoke in Parliament about Romanias foreign policy priorities

Leyla Cheamil, 12.06.2018, 13:14

The top priority of the Romanian diplomacy is to maintain the traditional line of Romania’s foreign policy, said Monday the foreign minister Teodor Melescanu, who was invited in Parliament for a debate on topical foreign policy issues. His invitation in Parliament comes against the backdrop of talks regarding the relocation of Romania’s embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

In April, the president of the ruling Social Democratic Party Liviu Dragnea had announced that the government adopted a memorandum on the start of procedures related to the effective relocation of the Romanian embassy to Jerusalem.

The Romanian government’s intention caused a heated dispute between the ruling coalition, made up of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats, and President Klaus Iohannis, who is backed by the Liberal opposition.

President Iohannis pointed out that the embassy could not be moved without his agreement. In the context of these talks, Foreign Minister Melescanu said that the authorities had not yet made a decision related to the embassy relocation and that, in the coming two months, the foreign ministry would finalize the assessment of the relocation process, based on which political decision-makers would adopt a common stand. He gave assurances that Romania’s foreign policy in relation to the situation in the Middle East remained unchanged.

Teodor Melescanu: “We are supporting the idea of two states — Israel and Palestine – that should live in peace and security. We also believe that direct negotiations are needed especially for the resolution of the juridical status of Jerusalem.”

According to foreign minister Melescanu, one of the priorities Romania will have as future president of the Council of the European Union refers to the EU policy’s consistency in relation to the Eastern Partnership. He also added that when talking about the Eastern Partnership, Romania’s priority is the Republic of Moldova. He also enlarged on the relations with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Moldova.

Teodor Melescanu: “Our support for the Republic of Moldova targets institutions and the efforts for the reform process. As regards the relation with Russia, I can assure you that, if President Trump meets President Putin, we’ll probably have a clearer view regarding our posture, which remains the same, namely deterrence and defense, and we’ll also have dialogue with the Russian Federation.”

As to Romania’s relations with Hungary, minister Melescanu said that Romania wanted to develop relations with all neighboring states, including Hungary. He added that relations with Hungary had reported progress of late, and that there was hope that relations would remain good.