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Romania, Italy ForMins discuss bilateral relations
Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean met visiting Italian counterpart Federica Mogherini on Wednesday, with the talks focusing on the bilateral relations, the results of the European elections and the Ukraine situation.
Corlatean said the relations between Romania and Italy are 'exceptional' and also called them 'privileged'.
'We speak of a consolidated strategic partnership that exists between our two countries, we speak of an entire common history and a Latin base that is extremely important for Romania, we speak of extremely solid bilateral economic relations. Italy retained its position of the second-largest economic and commercial partner of Romania in 2013 as well, with economic exchanges worth nearly 12 billion euros, with 37,500 Italian-owned companies operating in the Romanian market, that invested and keep investing in Romania and with a Romanian community, the most important by size, that exists in Italy, most of them well-integrated, contributing to the life of the Italian society and the economic life of Italy', he stressed.
The Romanian minister added Romania and Italy will celebrate the 135th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
Corlatean said his talks with Mogherini had approached the priorities of the European Union Italian presidency.
'Romania will grant extremely substantial political support to the priorities of the Italian presidency, the more so since there are topics that interest us directly, such as the economic growth and the creation of jobs in the EU space, particularly for the youths. There are other topics of particular sensitiveness for Italy, such as illegal migration. We understand and we are open to cooperating in order to adopt the best decisions and policies in the EU on this matter', he said.
The Romanian top diplomat thanked the Italian foreign minister for 'the constant support' rendered by Italy to Romania's and Bulgaria's Schengen Area entry bid and for the correct assessment of the progress Romania has 'constantly' made over these years under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism.
Mogherini underscored the bilateral relations between Romania and Italy are 'excellent', not only at state but also government level.
'We've found that we share the same vision, both on a European and international level, I think of the Euro-Atlantic Alliance (...) Now more than in the past, Italy and Romania can work with very much energy, much determination together both on the European agenda and on the international agenda', she said.
The two ministers announced that a Romanian diplomat will be seconded from the foreign ministry to work in the EU Italian presidency team. Corlatean stressed the move will be 'beneficial to both sides'.