Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, visiting Bucharest on Monday, highlighted the importance of the 'Neptune Deep' project for achieving energy independence from Russia.

'We are proud that OMV Petrom has such an ambitious project in the Black Sea, which will strengthen us. We will become independent from Russia in the energy sector. Very important from this perspective is also the price of energy. I am pleased this collaboration is working so well. At Petrobrazi, such important utilities are produced and I am glad Romania is a key player in the development of the energy sector. But, of course, there is potential for growth,' she said within a news conference held at the Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) headquarters, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu.

Beate Meinl-Reisinger added that the Romanian-Austrian memorandum of understanding for deepening and developing political dialogue, signed on Monday in Bucharest, represents 'a new chapter' in bilateral cooperation.

'We address important political issues for both states, in academic and cultural cooperation, as well as regarding the support for the Romanian community in Austria, which is the second largest non-German-speaking community in the country. We thank the Romanian community in Austria for their contribution to the development of Austrian society at economic level and at other levels. Let us not forget that approximately 50,000 Romanians commute between Romania and Austria. I thank them sincerely. We truly could not manage without you,' the Austrian official said.

She said that Romania is 'an extremely important partner' for Austria. In this regard, she mentioned that Austria is the second largest foreign investor in Romania, with a total amount exceeding 13 billion euros.

The Austrian minister highlighted Romania's economic development, praising the country's 'consistent' pro-European standpoint and its efforts to push infrastructure projects.

'All these show how much is possible in a united Europe. You have an exceptional economic course. I see the drive, I see the desire, I see the capitalization of opportunities and all these strengthen the idea that a collaboration with Romania is extremely important,' she underscored.

The expansion of the EU enlargement process is in the interest of member states, especially when it comes to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated.

'Romania plays an absolutely essential role both at European and NATO levels for the security and stability of Europe, for the security of the Black Sea region, for supporting Moldova and Ukraine. From our perspective, Romania holds a clear, very active position. We are very grateful to minister [Oana Toiu] for taking on this active role,' she said.

On another note, Beate Meinl-Reisinger congratulated the Romanian footballers for their 1-0 victory over the Austrian national team on Sunday evening.

'There was a wonderful atmosphere here, in Bucharest during the match,' she said. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Rodica State)