Est. 2min May 25, 2023
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As part of Steinmeier’s state visit from Wednesday to Friday, the two discussed European support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, and the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank. [EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT]

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Romania will support Ukraine as long as necessary and without time constraints, President Klaus Iohannis said after meeting his German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Bucharest Wednesday.

As part of Steinmeier’s state visit from Wednesday to Friday, the two discussed European support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, and the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank.

“Romania supports Ukraine and the Ukrainians. This is not limited in time or otherwise. This support, this help, will be there as long as needed – which will take quite a while,” Iohannis said at a press conference with Steinmeier.

Of the 4.5 million Ukrainian refugees who entered Romania following the war in Ukraine, many stayed and found a job in Romania, Iohannis said.

Asked about long-term integration, Iohannis said he does not see a change in “attitude towards these people forced to leave their country because of the war”, referring to the open-arms welcome Romanians had towards Ukrainians when they first entered the country.

Steinmeier praised Romania for receiving Ukrainians who fled the war and for its role in the transit of Ukrainian grain, referring to Romania being among the few countries to have lifted its ban on Ukrainian food products while waiting for the Commission to decide.

He also reiterated Germany’s support for Romania’s accession to Schengen.

The two presidents also discussed EU enlargement, the situation in the Balkans, and security in the Black Sea region.

“I think there is a good sign that the European family is going to meet soon in Chisinau”, Steinmeier added.

(Cătălina Mihai | EURACTIV.ro)