AGERPRES special correspondent Daniel Florea reports: Germany is Romania's main economic partner, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan declared in Berlin on Wednesday, adding that Romania aims to develop this collaboration, which results in the creation of jobs, technology and stability.

'We are going through a period of uncertainty. The pressure on European economies, the increasingly tough global competition and the war in Ukraine compel us to be more efficient in our decisions. The partnership between Romania and Germany allows for this type of approach. Germany is Romania's main economic partner. Bilateral trade exceeded 42 billion euros in 2024, and we expect similar figures in 2025. German investments amount to more than 18.5 billion euros. Over 10,000 companies with German capital operate in Romania, employing more than 200,000 Romanians. This means jobs, technology and stability. But beyond the numbers, it means trust. We aim to further develop this collaboration,' said Bolojan, who is on an official visit to Berlin, at a press conference held alongside Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

According to Bolojan, the talks with Merz aimed at increasing investments in strategic areas such as energy, industry and defense, including by capitalizing on European instruments, such as the SAFE Program.

'These are areas that will decide Europe's competitiveness in the coming years and where Romania wants to be a serious partner. The memorandum signed today with the Federal Republic of Germany's Ministry of Defense is a practical tool that allows us to modernize our defense industry and respond more quickly to security needs,' said Ilie Bolojan.

He mentioned that Romania and Germany share the same vision on the importance of restoring peace and security in the Black Sea region.

'I presented Mr. Chancellor our objectives and actions for the defense of the eastern flank and ensuring security in the Black Sea region. Air defense is one of our priorities, and Germany's contribution in this area is both necessary and appreciated,' the prime minister added.

Bolojan said that Romania supports all efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

'Russia's attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, affect the population and must be taken into account in our political and security decisions,' he stressed.

The prime minister reiterated that the Republic of Moldova remains a strategic priority for Romania.

'Chisinau's stability and its European path matter for the entire region. In this context, the role of the European Union is essential, and opening accession negotiations as soon as possible would be an important signal for citizens and for regional security,' Ilie Bolojan said.

Another topic discussed was Romania's accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 'I thanked the Chancellor for his constant support for this objective. Romania wants better standards, more efficient public policies and greater international credibility. We aim to complete the accession process this year,' the Romanian head of government noted.

He added that the relationship between Romania and Germany goes beyond institutions and policies. 'I thank Germany for the support given to Romanians who live, work and integrate into German society. I also thank you for the support offered to the German community in Romania - the Saxons and Swabians - through projects that help preserve their identity and promote cultural heritage, which is an asset for Romania. Today we looked at what comes next and what we can do concretely. Romania and Germany can do more together if we focus on results. We have a solid foundation, common interests and the capacity to make decisions,' Bolojan said.

According to him, the bilateral discussions will continue in Bucharest in the near future. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)