Faced with the 'storms' in international politics, Romania has managed to respond not only defensively but assertively, interim Foreign Minister Oana Toiu told the opening of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy on Monday.

Oana Toiu said that Romania is resilient in the current security context.


'This instability in international relations, not instability in Romania but instability around us with direct effects on us as well, is not temporary, and the lesson we have learned over the past year (...), a lesson that will guide the strategic process in the discussions taking place these days, is that when faced with these storms, the goal is not to take shelter but to move forward. Because Romania, when faced with the greatest challenges it has faced since the Revolution, has managed to respond not only defensively but assertively, ensuring that its own agenda is presented, addressed and negotiated as a priority in all the formats of which we are part,' the interim foreign minister said.

In her speech, Toiu said that Romania does not need to choose between its relationship with the United States and its relationship with the European Union.

'The point is to ensure that this choice is not necessary. (...) The world's most important economic relationship is between the United States and the European Union,' she said.

Oana Toiu also spoke of the EU relations with third countries, mentioning Mercosur, which she said had been 'a good bet for Romania and the European Union to build stronger ties in the world'.

She also mentioned that more than 70% of Romania's trade is with the single market. 'What is the practical argument for those who argue that we should weaken this single market through rules that separate us and fragment and divide the market? It is unlikely that the figures or the arguments can support this,' Toiu added.

The minister also referred to Romania's accession process to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a key objective of Romanian diplomacy this year.

'We are currently in first place. Among all the countries in the accession process, Romania is the country that has progressed the furthest and the fastest. (...) Romania has technically completed the entire reform process that will enable us to become part of this club of developed economies,' Toiu said, adding that this had happened 'despite disagreements at home, regardless of differences of opinion.'

Oana Toiu also referred to the defence situation in Romania, as security has been 'the component that has dominated the agenda in recent years.'

She stressed that Romania has experienced the highest number of drone incursions along the entire Eastern Flank.

'Together with you and, in particular, with the professionals in the Romanian Armed Forces and the other institutions in charge, we have managed to look openly at these risks and their increased frequency, at the negative effects on Romania generated by Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, and to take the necessary decisions and measures. Over the past year, Romania has introduced tougher penalties, including prison sentences, into the Criminal Code for those who organise themselves to circumvent the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation,' Oana Toiu said.


The interim minister reiterated Romania's continued support for Ukraine in the context of the war, also referring to the current US review of its military presence in Europe.

'Romania has chosen to be a strong anchor, both in its relationship with the United States and through this strengthened strategic partnership, to be one of the strong anchors between the European Union and the United States,' she said.

In her speech, Oana Toiu also mentioned the establishment of the Ratiu Prize for Romanian diplomats, which will be awarded for diplomacy and support for the free press.

The Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy continues on Tuesday, first at Cotroceni Presidential Palace and then at the Government headquarters. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)

Photos:  RADU TUŢĂ / AGERPRES FOTO