UK and Romania Cement Strong Ties with Strategic Partnership Renewed
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly welcomed Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu to London this week to sign a refreshed Strategic Partnership and launch a new bilateral forum. The move signals the UK’s firm commitment to its alliance with Romania amid growing security concerns in Europe.
Standing Strong Against Russian Aggression
Cleverly underlined the importance of united support for Ukraine and the wider Black Sea region, highlighting joint efforts through NATO to counter Russia’s aggression.
- The renewed partnership, originally set up in 2003, reinforces close diplomatic, economic, and defence ties.
- Romania shares NATO’s longest border with Ukraine and has hosted over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.
- The UK has supported education initiatives for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.
New Annual Forum to Boost Cooperation
The newly launched bilateral forum will meet annually, bringing together government officials, business leaders, parliamentarians, and academics. It aims to strengthen collaboration in trade, energy, education, and civil society.
Cleverly said:
“Our countries could not be closer on the biggest issues affecting our nations, the whole of Europe, and indeed the whole world.”
He highlighted the 1.2 million people with dual British-Romanian citizenship and pledged cooperation across foreign policy, defence, science, crime-fighting, and investment.
Energy Security and Growth on the Agenda
Both nations vowed to boost energy security, tackle climate change, and promote economic recovery post-pandemic. The UK also reiterated its commitment to the Black Sea’s vital role in regional defence.
This latest partnership renewal underlines the UK’s determination to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Romania and its neighbours in these turbulent times.
