Romanian FM hails ‘excellent’ ties with ‘reliable partner’ Jordan

AMMAN — More than half a century of diplomatic ties is, in itself, an indication of “excellent” Jordanian-Romanian bilateral relations, said Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Aurescu said that the ever-growing relations at bilateral and multilateral levels are based on the convergence of views on a wide range of international issues.

“Jordan is a very special and reliable partner in this region, exercising balanced and reasoned approaches, essential for regional stability,” the top Romanian diplomat, who is currently on a visit to the Kingdom, said.

Romania is keen on expanding bilateral investments and trade, as priorities of its foreign relations’ agenda, he said, adding that he plans to discuss economic cooperation in pragmatic terms during his meetings in Amman.

“Besides the political, economic and cultural ties, we particularly value and appreciate the role of approximately 13,000 Jordanian citizens who graduated from Romanian universities and who are now successful specialists with significant experience in various fields in Jordan,” the foreign minister said.

Since 2019, almost 900 Jordanians enrolled to study in Romanian universities. Romania is currently offering 30 scholarships for Jordanian students each year. There is also potential for further developing bilateral relations in the field of academic mobility under the EU Erasmus+ umbrella, whose perspectives in the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework are “very promising”, he said.

“The role of the Romanians living and working here in Jordan is also significant. These interconnected communities and real people-to-people contacts are a bridge between our two countries and cultures, facilitating stronger political contacts,” he added.

Aurescu said that the Romanian delegation is prepared to sign a set of bilateral documents to enhance cooperation between the ministries of Justice in the areas of justice and extradition and also enhance cooperation in emergency situations and the prevention, limitation and elimination of the effects of disasters.

The foreign minister drew attention to the European Commission and the European External Action Service’s comprehensive communication aimed at relaunching and strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and its Southern Neighborhood partners.

“The ambitious and innovative “New Agenda for the Mediterranean” is based on the firm belief that by working in a spirit of partnership, we can prevail and turn our common challenges into opportunities. As EU member state, Romania has welcomed and supported this document,” he said.

Elaborating on coordination and consultation between Jordan and Romania on regional issues, the foreign minister said that Romania highly appreciates the Kingdom’s efforts for regional peace, stability and prosperity.

“In this context, I would like to commend the tireless activity of His Majesty King Abdullah in supporting the international efforts against terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation. These are extremely complex phenomena, which require in-depth knowledge and multi-faceted responses, including through the value-added initiative of the Aqaba Process,” Aurescu said.

Romania appreciates the important role played by Jordan in the Middle East Peace Process and welcomes the recent meaningful talks to achieve peace in the region within the Amman Format, also called the Munich Group, he said.

“We acknowledge Jordan as a key player engaged in developing the relationships between the MENA region and the EU, including by assuming the Co-Presidency of the Union for the Mediterranean,” according to the foreign minister.

Romania will continue to advocate for a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on a fair, comprehensive and sustainable agreement, in accordance with the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, to coexist in peace and security, he said.

Romania will increase its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to 150,000 euros for 2021, a threefold increase compared to previous years, he said.

“This is a firm proof of our support for the organisation’s capacity to implement its mandate effectively in assisting and protecting Palestinian refugees, many of whom reside in Jordan. We also encourage other partners to increase their contribution to the agency,” he added.

Regarding Romania’s decision to transfer the Romanian embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Aurescu said that Romania’s position regarding the status of Jerusalem, one of the final status issues in the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), has always remained unchanged and in accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly.

“I would like to reiterate that any discussion regarding a possible relocation of our embassy can take place only after a final agreement on the status of Jerusalem is reached,” he said.

“With some special efforts of our diplomacy, I am glad to say, at this point, that our traditional and friendly relations with the Arab states and, particularly, with Palestine, continued to develop and grow, to the benefit of all parties,” he added.

Touching on cooperation to combat the COVID pandemic, the foreign minister commended Jordan’s COVID response strategy and “successful” vaccination campaign.

“I hope that your country’s efforts will yield positive and long-lasting results. We also commend Jordan’s COVID-19 vaccination programme for refugees and asylum seekers, as a model of solidarity in the region and beyond,” he said.

“We highly appreciated the Jordanian support to repatriate Romanian citizens in 2020 and we are also very grateful for the support and care that the Jordanian Government continues to extend towards the Romanian community living and working here. Your country’s openness and assistance in this crisis have been an authentic example of international solidarity and true friendship,” he added.