Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Romania strongly supports the development of the EU-Azerbaijan relationship.

Dan Iancu, Ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan made the statement as he met local media representatives on November 24, on the occasion of the beginning of his mandate in the country.

The ambassador expressed hope for the swift start of negotiations on a comprehensive and ambitious agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan.

Romania and Azerbaijan enjoy traditionally very close and friendly relationships developing since 2009 within the framework of the bilateral Strategic Partnership.

Iancu added that the Embassy of Romania in Baku holds currently for the 4th successive term since 2009 -- the mandate of NATO Contact Point Embassy.

"In this capacity the Embassy has strongly promoted the NATO-Azerbaijan partnership and has contributed to the intensification of political dialogue and cooperation between NATO and Azerbaijan; improving awareness about Azerbaijan within NATO; informing Azerbaijani public opinion about the North Atlantic Alliance current policy, NATO values and standards," he said.

The ambassador noted that Romania is the second country which recognizes the independence of Azerbaijan on December 11, 1991 after Turkey.

"Over the years there were eight visits of Romanian Presidents to Baku; President Ilham Aliyev visited Bucharest five times. The two countries develop extensive dialogue and cooperation at the level of Parliaments, of the Ministries for Foreign Affairs, as well as between other governmental bodies," Iancu said.

During the past three years there has been a steady increase of the bilateral trade turnover. For the whole of 2015 (according to Romanian data) the bilateral trade stood at $161.3 million, up 13 percent compared to 2014, with a balance in favor of Azerbaijan.

SOCAR has opened a branch in Romania and is presently expanding its activities on the market.

Meanwhile, the ambassador gave information about the National Day of Romania to be held on December 1, marking the day in 1918.

On this say the People’s Assembly in the city of Alba Iulia (South-West Transylvania) unanimously adopted a Resolution stating the union of the provinces of Transylvania, Banat, Crisana and Maramures (until that time part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), all with Romanian-majority population, with the Kingdom of Romania. Coming in the very aftermath of the World War I, “the Great Union of 1918” (as it is called by Romanians) marked the accomplishment of the process of national reawakening started out by the formation of the modern Romanian state in 1859.

This historic event reflects the fulfillment of a long-lasting desire for freedom, unity and national dignity of many generations of Romanians. December 1 is celebrated by Romanians all over the world as a symbol of solidarity, hope and triumph against adverse circumstances. It reflects, to this day, Romania’s attachment to the principles of tolerance, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and respect for cultural values of all people.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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