Interim Foreign Minister Oana Toiu published an opinion editorial on Sunday to mark 20 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Montenegro, in which she underscored that today's volatile geopolitical environment shows that solidarity is a strategic necessity, in the context of Russia's 'brutal war' against Ukraine.

'Today, 9 August 2026, we mark 20 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Montenegro, established following Montenegro's restoration of independence on 3 June 2006. On this occasion, together with my colleague Ervin Ibrahimovic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, we have published a joint op-ed.
The article reflects on more than a century of friendship, dating back to the 1878 Congress of Berlin. More importantly, it looks to the future. Guided by mutual understanding and trust built across generations, Romania and Montenegro will continue to work together as close and trusted partners. Romania remains a steadfast supporter of Montenegro's future membership of the European Union. Together, we are committed to a Western Balkans region firmly and irreversibly anchored in the European Union and as reliable NATO Allies,' interim Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Toiu wrote on X.

In the document posted on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE), Oana Toiu says solidarity is a strategic necessity in the context of 'Russia's ongoing, brutal war against Ukraine.'

'At the same time, today's volatile geopolitical environment reminds us that solidarity is a strategic necessity. Russia's ongoing, brutal war against Ukraine, at the very borders of the EU, has fundamentally altered Europe's security landscape. It has shown that no country - regardless of size or geography - can face such challenges alone. For the Western Balkans, this harsh reality underscores the importance of unity, resilience and close cooperation with partners who share the same values. Standing together, strengthening collective security, and defending the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law are essential not only for peace in Ukraine, but for the security across our entire region. Twenty-two years after joining NATO, and after nearly two decades of EU membership, Romania enjoys today the strongest security guarantees in its history and an unprecedented level of economic development. On the other hand, Montenegro's nine years of NATO membership and its progress on the path to EU integration reaffirm the validity of its aspiration and commitment to contributing to stability and promoting European Union values,' Toiu said.

She brought to mind the trade between the two countries exceeded 32 million euro at the end of 2025, marking an increase of almost 30% compared with the previous year, and believes that a direct air link between Bucharest and Podgorica - if it proves commercially viable - would provide the material basis for boosting trade, tourism and contacts between people.

Oana Toiu gave assurances that Romania will support Montenegro's progress on its European path, the strengthening of institutional capacities, full alignment with European Union standards and ensuring that reforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

'We will seek to maximize the benefits and opportunities of regional and multilateral cooperation. This anniversary year brings new prospects through Romania's Chairmanship-in-Office of two key regional frameworks - the Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). With Montenegro's Chairmanship-in-Office of the Berlin Process, and later in the year its Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, we see real synergies for cooperation. These platforms play a crucial role in fostering political dialogue and practical cooperation across the region, supporting greater convergence with the European Union and protecting the fundamental rights and values that are core pillars of EU membership. Romania's chairmanships aim to use these mechanisms to bring the Western Balkans, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine closer to the European family, through joint initiatives on expertise-sharing, connectivity, economic development, countering growing threats in the information space, and alignment with European standards,' Oana Toiu also mentioned. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Eusebi Manolache; EN - writing by: Rodica State)