According to a statement from the Romanian ministry of foreign affairs, during the Romanian minister’s trip to the UK, the two officials also discussed, apart from aspects connected to the Romanian-British bilateral relationship, about the latest regional and international developments, with an emphasis on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The renewed strategic partnership provides for a new framework of cooperation between the two states to reflect the current stage of relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom and the current security situation at Euro-Atlantic level. The document also follows the strategic nature of bilateral relations, as established twenty years ago, when the two countries first established a strategic partnership.
Under the renewed strategic partnership, cooperation will focus on the following key areas: foreign affairs; defence and security; law enforcement, home affairs and cooperation in the area of the judiciary; people-to-people ties; cyber security, technology and hybrid threats; and the promotion of trade, investments and entrepreneurship. The two ministries will meet annually to assess the implementation of the goals established as part of the strategic partnership and to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Minister Bogdan Aurescu voiced satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation, whose main pillar is collaboration in the area of security. In respect of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the two ministers again firmly condemned Moscow’s illegal, illegitimate and unprovoked aggression, with consequences for the security of the entire region, as well as for Euro-Atlantic security, the statement from the Romanian ministry of foreign affairs also notes. The British official voiced appreciation for how Romania showed its solidarity during the humanitarian crisis in the neighbouring country, providing consistent and multidimensional support. Secretary James Cleverly thanked, on behalf of the British government, for Romania’s assistance in this regard, which had a substantial contribution to the efforts of the international community to support Ukraine cope with the Russian aggression, the statement also says.
During the London trip by the Romanian official, the two ministers also opened the first Romania-United Kingdom Bilateral Forum, which will take place annually in Bucharest and London, alternately. The forum brings together government and business representatives, parliamentarians, academics and civil society in order to identity new opportunities for the consolidation of bilateral cooperation.
Daniela Budu, Radio Romania International
