Romanian Foreign Minister visits India

The visit of the Romanian Foreign Minister took place against the backdrop of the celebration of 70 years of bilateral diplomatic relations and five years since the Joint Statement on establishing an Extensive Partnership between India and Romania, read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The visit was also an opportunity to follow up on the recent visit of the Vice President of India to Romania in September 2018.

The bilateral talks were held in a warm, cordial and positive atmosphere, reflecting the long-standing and friendly bilateral relationship between India and Romania. In the discussions, External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, highlighted the constructive cooperation between the two countries on international and bilateral issues.

She expressed India’s commitment towards strengthening of existing bilateral ties and broadening its scope.

The two Ministers underlined the importance of strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries and expressed desire to raise the bilateral trade turnover, which stands at USD 810 million to higher levels in the coming years.

They welcomed the long tradition of the Indology and learning of Indian languages at the Bucharest University. They also welcomed the growing popularity of Yoga in Romania.

The two sides reiterated the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council. In this context, Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu reaffirmed Romania´s support for a permanent seat for India in a reformed UNSC.

Romania will take over the Presidency of the European Council in January 2019.

The Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu also met Deputy National Security Advisor. During the visit, Romania will formally open its Consulate in Chennai.