Social Democratic Party (PSD) deputy Mihai Fifor believes that President Nicusor Dan's decision to attend the Peace Council meeting in Washington is both correct and necessary, because Romania must defend its interests 'with dignity and professionalism.'

'President Nicusor Dan's decision to take part in the Peace Council meeting in Washington, D.C., following the invitation from President Donald Trump, is important, correct, and necessary for Romania's positioning at an extremely complicated international moment. Even as an observer, Romania must be present where peace, stability, and the security architecture that directly shape our future are being discussed. The announced involvement in the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip continues a line of conduct Romania has consistently followed: support for civilians, openness to diplomatic solutions, and respect for international law and for UN-adopted resolutions,' former Defense Minister Mihai Fifor wrote on Facebook on Sunday.

He stressed that 'Romania does not have to, and does not need to choose between the European Union and the United States, because we belong to both institutional spheres, and our security and development depend on the strength of both relationships.'

'NATO and EU membership is not a dilemma but a strategic advantage. Romania must pursue its interests through a lucid, predictable, and credible foreign policy, grounded in fairness, diplomatic skill, and loyalty to European and transatlantic values. Being at the table does not mean unconditional alignment; it means responsibility. It means political maturity. It means understanding that absence sidelines you, and Romania's voice matters only if it is heard where decisions are made. I welcome this wise decision by President Nicusor Dan. Romania must participate, be involved, and defend its interests with dignity and professionalism,' Fifor added.

President Nicusor Dan announced on Sunday that he will take part next week in the first meeting of the Peace Council in Washington, responding to the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump.

'Romania will have observer status and I will reaffirm our staunch support for international peace efforts, as well as our openness to participate in the Gaza Strip reconstruction process. The decision to attend these discussions is based on the desire to support the diplomatic process established by the resolution adopted in November by the UN Security Council, at the initiative of the United States of America. Romania has consistently supported the need to identify a solution that can bring an end to the conflict and has provided assistance to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, particularly through emergency medical evacuation operations,' President Nicusor Dan wrote in a Facebook message on Sunday. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Livia Popescu; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)