The Minister of Foreign Affairs, João Gomes Cravinho, reiterated this Wednesday in Bucharest Portugal’s military support for Romania within the framework of NATO and in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“Portugal will continue to work with Romania in the military field so that our joint effort within the framework of NATO is systematically reinforced. The presence of the Portuguese Army (in Romania) and the relations of our Air Forces are bases for the continuation of our work together. “, said Gomes Cravinho in a joint conference with the head of the Romanian diplomacy in Bucharest.
The Portuguese force deployed in Romanian territory (Caracal Base) is made up of 222 soldiers: a Mechanized Infantry company with anti-aircraft defense equipped with Stinger missiles, information and support services, by decision of the Atlantic Alliance, on March 24.
“Despite all the difficulties that exist, I believe that we have opportunities to deepen and broaden our relations and, as Foreign Minister of Portugal, I am very committed to taking advantage of all the opportunities that exist,” said Gomes Cravinho, referring to the crisis. caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs participates today in Bucharest in the Diplomatic Seminar of Romania.
The meetings were mainly marked by the situation in Ukraine, a situation that raises “complex challenges” at various levels.
Regarding the invasion of Ukrainian territory, João Gomes Cravinho, as an ally in NATO and a partner of Romania within the European Union, thanked Bucharest for its humanitarian, political and material support so that Ukraine “has the possibility of fighting the invasion”.
“I would like to emphasize that this difficult situation we are experiencing due to Russian aggression is also an opportunity for countries that are far away, such as Portugal and Romania, to explore the opportunities that exist,” added Gomes Cravinho.
At the same press conference, the head of diplomacy in Bucharest, Bogdan Aurescu, recalled that Portugal supported “from day one” the decisions regarding the reinforcement of NATO’s “eastern flank”, and pointed out that at this time more than two hundred Portuguese military.
Aurescu also said that cooperation in the defense area facilitated the development of Romania’s air capabilities “including the purchase of a large number of F-16 aircraft from Portugal.”
On the other hand, the Romanian Foreign Minister mentioned that the two countries discussed Romanian efforts in support of Ukrainian refugees and measures that facilitate the transit of grain through Romania.
“We also talked about the support that Romania and the European Union have to achieve in relation to the Republic of Moldova, which is a state very affected by the consequences of the war on our borders, including accession to the European Union,” said Aurescu.
The Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs also said that in the meeting held with the Portuguese counterpart, the “expansion to the Shengen Area” was discussed, having thanked the support provided by Portugal in this area.
Regarding bilateral relations, João Gomes Cravinho said that the presence of a community of 30,000 Romanians in Portugal, who participate in economic progress, “is a great base” and constitutes “a bridge between the two countries”.
On the other hand, Cravinho recalled that several Portuguese companies are installed in Romania and that he will meet with some of the businessmen who invest in the country.
“The message that I will bring is that Romania is a field of opportunities, within the framework of what is the will of the political power of both countries and that must be explored”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In addition to the meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gomes Cravinho will meet in Bucharest with the Prime Minister, Nicolae Ciuca, the Head of State, Klaus Iohannis, and the President of Parliament, Marcel Ciolacu.
Source: TSF
