Moscow: Romanian President looking for ties in 'multipolar world'

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - May 10, 2005)

Moscow, May 09, 2005 - Political relationship between Romania and Russia have reached a satisfactory level, but there is room for better cooperation (the Black Sea region included) – Romanian President Traian Basescu, who has been invited to Moscow to take part in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis, has stated in an interview with the RIA-Novosti.

"Political relations have reached a satisfactory level, but they can become very good. In the person of the Russian president, I met a partner in a very subtle dialogue and the one who is open towards establishing good economic relations," Basescu noted.

"We proceed from our recognition of the Russian Federation's interests in the Black Sea area and, at the same time, we wish for our interests and those of the Republic of Moldova to be recognized and observed.

This is the key to reaching excellent political and economic relations," Basescu stressed. Basescu made assurances that Romania expressed complete openness to a joint discussion and study of existing issues until the understanding that "the future is more important than the past" is reached.

Answering a question as to the main goals which Romania puts for itself at the moment, Basescu named integration into the European Union and the creation of a zone of security in the Black Sea region in order to stop smuggling with arms, people and drugs.

According to Basescu, frozen conflicts in this region "could find a democratic and European solution". This also applies to the conflict in the Dniester region, which is one of the priorities of Romania's foreign policy and "to a considerable extent concerns the issues of independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova," the Romanian president said.

During visit in Moscow, President Basescu also had bilateral talks with Samuel Schmid – President of Swiss Confederation –, Hu Jintao – President of Popular republic of China –, Adrienne Clarkson – General Governor of Canada –, and Monmohan Singh – India's PM.

As about the meeting with Chinese President, Basescu praised the now traditional ties with the powerful state in the Far East, ties that need to be further developed.

Basescu invited Chine to invest in Romanian pharmaceutical, defence, infrastructure and tourism sectors. "China wishes to promote an strong development and cooperation partnership with Romania," President Hu Jintao said, and invited President Basescu to visit China this year.

Romanian President Basescu also met India's PM, Monmohan Singh, who is looking for East Europeans support in getting permanent membership of India within the UN Security Council.

Basescu's fresh contacts with the new-born "Chindia axis" were not louded yet but they seem fashionable for Romania in the near future.

Romania Report