Romania and Slovakia enjoy a solid relationship built on strong historical, cultural and economic ties, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Friday in joint statements with visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

'Our discussions today showed that the relationship between Romania and Slovakia is a solid one, built on strong historical, cultural and economic ties. Mr. Prime Minister Fico and I addressed both issues related to bilateral cooperation and those concerning regional security, including from the perspective of our shared EU and NATO membership,' Bolojan said.

The Romanian prime minister stressed that economic cooperation is one of the pillars of the bilateral relationship.

'In the past ten years, bilateral trade has doubled, and for 2025 we estimate a level of around 4.8 billion euros. We need to better capitalize on existing opportunities, including European ones, to develop mutual trade and investment. We also want our region, Central and Eastern Europe, to have a stronger presence through our companies in competitive European projects, especially in innovative fields. In this regard, connectivity is important in both the energy and transport sectors,' Bolojan said.

He also referred to coordination efforts to accelerate the development of electricity transmission links between Romania and Slovakia, as well as cooperation aimed at reducing energy prices. At the same time, he underlined the importance of swiftly completing the Via Carpathia infrastructure project.

'Road connectivity between our countries will improve through the implementation of the Via Carpathia project, a strategic corridor linking northern and southern Europe, and it is essential to speed up the completion of the works,' Bolojan said.

In the field of defense, talks focused on developing technological partnerships in the defense industry, with the ministers of the two states already agreeing on a joint project.

'In defense, we remain committed to strengthening NATO's presence on the Eastern Flank and at the Black Sea. Proof of this is the participation of Romanian troops in the NATO Multinational Battle Group in Slovakia. We also see opportunities in developing technological partnerships in the defense industry, and the Defense ministers have established a joint project in this regard,' the Romanian head of government said.

Bolojan also presented Romania's position on the war in Ukraine and its impact on Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The situation in the Middle East was discussed as well, with an emphasis on measures needed to limit the impact on energy prices.

'The blockade of maritime transport in the Strait of Hormuz poses a threat to international security and the global economy through its effects on energy markets. Our priority remains the safety of our citizens and taking the necessary measures to minimize the impact of this conflict on energy prices,' Bolojan noted.

During the Slovak delegation's visit to Victoria Palace, the sides also signed a Memorandum on Cultural Cooperation, which will lead to more institutional partnerships, exchanges of artists and experts, joint projects and participation in fairs and festivals. Bolojan also highlighted the ongoing Education Cooperation Program between the two countries, which supports joint projects and academic exchanges.

The Romanian prime minister said that discussions with his Slovak counterpart would continue in Oradea, where a meeting with representatives of the Slovak community in western Romania is scheduled for the afternoon.

Ilie Bolojan also expressed gratitude to the Slovak authorities for the respect shown over the years to the Romanian soldiers who fought in World War II and died on Slovak territory.

'When you pass through Slovakia, every Romanian, upon arriving in Zvolen, goes to pay respects at the cemetery of our troops there. And I want to thank the prime minister, the Slovak governments and the Slovak people for the respect they have shown over the years to our soldiers who fought in World War II and died on Slovak soil,' Bolojan said.

At the end of the joint statements, Premier Bolojan thanked his counterpart Robert Fico for the support provided to the Slovak community in Romania. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)