President Klaus Iohannis has welcomed Prime Minister of Ireland, Leo Varadkar, at Cotroceni Palace on Tuesday.
The agenda included topics related to bilateral relations, but also issues related to the main topics on the European agenda, namely the future of the European Union, the Romanian presidency of the European Council, the future EU budget and the management of migration, the Presidency informed.
Also, the issue of Brexit was approached, a topic of maximum interest for both sides.
President Iohannis said, after the talks, that he thanked the Irish authorities “for the exceptional way in which they succeeded in welcoming the Romanians and integrate them in Ireland.”
The head of state added that the economic bilateral relations are among the best and that, during the past 12 months, the trade exchanges have doubled.
Iohannis also said that both Romania and Ireland share common ideas regarding the future of the European Union. “Although Ireland and Romania are geographically situated at the EU extremes, in the west and in the east, we have very many common approaches,” Presidnt Iohannis said.
Regarding the topic of migration in Europe, President Iohannis said “we have reached the conclusion that we have to find good solutions to solve the issue of migration, to make it more orderly. Solutions should be negotiated, good and acceptable solution, feasible and sustainable.”
The Irish Prime Minister said, after the talks with the Romanian head of state, that Ireland will closely work to support Romania in being successful during the EU Council presidency.
“The six months will be full of events. I assured the full support from the President of Ireland to closely work to help Romania be successful during its presidency. We are in sure hands regarding Romania being at the helm. (…) Romania rightfully regards the EU as a factor to increase its prosperity. I wish you luck on this route,” PM Leo Varadkar said.
The Irish Premier said he has invited President Klaus Iohannis to pay a visit to Ireland.
He added that this is not the first visit in Romania, adding that he had been here during his student period.
The Irish Prime Minister was also to meet PM Viorica Dancila at Victoria Palace and with the Chamber of Deputies Speaker, Liviu Dragnea.
photo: presidency.ro