Klaus Iohannis: Only Ukraine will decide how to make peace, Romania will continue to be by its side

President Klaus Iohannis declared on Tuesday that Romania was and will continue to stand by Ukraine. He emphasized that only Ukraine can decide the moment, the parameters and the way in which any peace negotiations will take place.

“Unfortunately, the past year continued to be marked by conflicts and complex situations, with a major impact on international relations. The second year of war against Ukraine continued to cause immense losses, multiplying the negative consequences at the global level. Romania was and will remain with its neighbor and the Ukrainian citizens, who bravely defend their freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity“, said the head of state, at the Cotroceni Palace, at the annual meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania.

He emphasized that, thanks to Romania’s efforts, more than 33 million tons of Ukrainian grain transited the territory of our country, representing more than 60% of the products that were transported through the Colors of Solidarity of the European Union.

The Romanian President recalled that last October, on the occasion of the visit of President Volodymyr Zelensky to Bucharest, the Joint Declaration was signed regarding the process of raising the relationship between Romania and Ukraine to the level of Strategic Partnership.

“We reconfirmed this commitment during our recent telephone conversation”, added President Iohannis.

He also stated that, at the regional, European, and global level, it is “imperative to maintain a firm commitment to Ukraine”. “Regarding the fate of the war, our position remains categorical: only Ukraine can decide the moment, the parameters and the way in which any peace negotiations will take place”, Iohannis said.

Two-state solution for Middle East

As for the situation in the Middle East, the Romanian President voiced support for a two-state solution.

“Regarding the developments in the Middle East, we have strongly condemned the Hamas attack from the first moment and we have also called for strict compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law, by providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. It is clear, after these months of open conflict, that a long-term political solution is needed, leading to a just peace, and the only viable option remains the two-state solution, respecting both the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and the right to security of the State of Israel,” Iohannis said.

He also thanked Romanian authorities for providing assistance for the Romanians in Gaza Strip.

“I would also like to thank the Romanian authorities involved in the evacuation operation of the affected Romanian citizens, as well as the partners from Israel, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan for their support,” President Iohannis pointed out.