Acting President Ilie Bolojan said on Tuesday, at the annual meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania, that Romania is a democratic state, which continues to act to strengthen its institutions and the trust in them, and stressed that the goal in regards to the presidential election is to work for a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

At the meeting at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace, he conveyed several messages regarding Romania and its foreign policy.

'The first message is one of stability. Despite a financially challenging year, Romania has a governing coalition that ensures the stability of the country. Responsible budget management, maintaining a high level of investments that generate economic growth, and improving the quality of public services are the conditions for good governance,' said the acting president.

Ilie Bolojan pointed out that the second message is that Romania is a democratic state, which continues to work to strengthen its institutions and the trust in them.

'Strengthening our democracies is a permanent goal, and Romania is no exception,' he said.

The acting president brought to mind that at the end of last year, amid external interference, the Constitutional Court made a decision regarding the electoral process.

'It is evident that this situation generated challenges, and some perceived it as a crisis. It was an exceptional situation, managed with democratic tools. I want to affirm, with full responsibility, that we are within the constitutional framework, the law, and democracy. For the presidential elections that will take place in May, our goal - for all institutions - is to work for a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. From the position I hold, in accordance with the responsibilities I have, I will oversee the fulfillment of this objective,' he stressed.

A third message, Ilie Bolojan pointed out, is that Romania's foreign policy will maintain its natural course as an EU and NATO member, with a Strategic Partnership with the U.S., and being open to cooperation with all partners who share the same values and principles that Romania supports.

'The main directions of foreign policy remain unchanged,' added the acting president.

He mentioned that he has a strengthened team alongside him, including presidential advisers and the Government, with whom he will work intensively in the coming period.

'We remain a state that firmly believes in the future of the European Union. We remain pro-Atlantic and a responsible allied state. We are a trustworthy partner both bilaterally and in the international community,' Bolojan highlighted. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florentina Peia, EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)