Romania\u2019s interim prime minister Ilie Bolojan discussed regional security and the war in Ukraine in separate phone calls with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte and Ukrainian prime minister Sergii Koretskyi on Tuesday, September 1. The conversations also covered drone incursions, allied deployments in Romania, and potential joint Romanian-Ukrainian defence projects.<\/p>\n
During his discussion with Mark Rutte, Ilie Bolojan highlighted the need for NATO to \u201cmaintain its focus on the Eastern Flank and the Black Sea,\u201d including by deploying allied capabilities in Romania.<\/p>\n
The call came amid an increase in drone incursions into Romania\u2019s maritime area and airspace. Thus, Bolojan and Rutte also addressed the security of navigation in the Black Sea.<\/p>\n
The Romanian government said the discussion reaffirmed the country\u2019s commitment to strengthening security on NATO\u2019s Eastern Flank and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.<\/p>\n\n
Meanwhile, in his call with Sergii Koretskyi, prime minister Bolojan reaffirmed Romania\u2019s \u201csolidarity and support for Ukraine\u201d and expressed appreciation for \u201cthe sacrifices made by the Ukrainian people.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRomania will continue to support Ukraine both bilaterally and within NATO, the European Union and the Coalition of the Willing,\u201d the government said.<\/p>\n
The two prime ministers discussed strengthening security and defence cooperation through joint defence industry projects and the opportunities offered by the EU\u2019s SAFE program. Romania and Ukraine are considering projects involving drone production and infrastructure intended to improve connectivity between the two countries.<\/p>\n
Cross-border transport infrastructure was another focus of the talks. The Pa\u0219cani-Suceava-Siret road project, which would strengthen Romania\u2019s connection with Ukraine, could be developed through SAFE, while the officials also discussed completing the Sighetu Marma\u021biei border crossing.<\/p>\n
Ilie Bolojan and Sergii Koretskyi additionally addressed energy cooperation, the transit of Ukrainian goods, and ongoing energy interconnection projects.<\/p>\n
The Romanian prime minister also stressed the importance of continuing dialogue about the Romanian community in Ukraine and finding solutions to its requests. The two officials agreed to maintain close cooperation and advance projects of mutual interest.<\/p>\n\n
irina.marica@romania-insider.com<\/p>\n