Romania must expand its economic relations beyond the borders of the European Union, the Minister of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Radu Miruta, stated during a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
"Romania must expand its economic relations beyond the borders of the European Union. We have valuable resources, real skills and partnerships that deserve to be built with trust. Economic diplomacy is not about symbolic visits, but about authentic dialogue, openness and courageous decisions, in the interest of Romania," stated Radu Miruta, quoted in a press release from the Ministry sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday.
Between 7 and 11 November, an official delegation led by Minister Radu Miruta paid a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of the 26th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organisation - UN Tourism.
The UN Tourism General Assembly debated strategic directions regarding the sustainable development of global tourism, digital innovation and the strengthening of regional partnerships. During the meeting, the new Secretary General of the organisation, Shaikha Al Nowais, was appointed, a moment welcomed by the Romanian side as an opportunity to continue international cooperation under a mandate oriented towards modernisation and inclusion.
Romania, a member of UN Tourism since 1975, actively participates in the organisation's working structures - the Commission for Europe, the Working Group for South-East Europe, the Committee for the International Code of Safe Tourism and the Coalition of Partners for Health and Tourism. At the same time, our country is involved in the "Best Tourism Villages" programme, which promotes authentic and sustainable rural destinations, with notable examples such as Rasinari, Ciocanesti, Breb and Polovragi.
During the visit, Minister Radu Miruta also had a series of bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening Romania's cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as with the states participating in the UN Tourism General Assembly meeting.
The minister discussed with his counterpart, Faisal bin Fadhil Al-Ibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia, opportunities to increase economic cooperation between the two countries.
The topics discussed included investments in graphite, the development of ski areas in Romania, and a direct connection between Romanian sheep and cow breeders and the Saudi Arabian market to eliminate intermediaries who often earn more than those who raise the animals.
According to the same source, the Saudi minister spoke about a mechanism for expanded economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Romania and about the implications of European legislation on trade.
In his turn, Radu Miruta stated that Romania has potential both due to its geographical position and its natural resources and qualified human resources, having a competitive advantage over other states in the European single market.
At the same time, the Romanian minister had discussions with Deemah AlYahya, Secretary General of the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO), which aimed at the possibility of Romania's accession to this intergovernmental organisation that promotes digital cooperation and the acceleration of the inclusive digital economy.
"Technology makes a significant leap every 15 years. Now is the time for artificial intelligence, and Romania is there: it understands, contributes to the direction and seeks a mapping between what is happening in the world and what exists here," stated Radu Miruta.
The Minister of Economy also met with the Governor of the Government Authority for Digitalisation, as well as with Her Royal Highness Princess Sara Al Saud, the discussions being focused on strengthening economic and tourism relations between the two states, as well as on identifying areas of collaboration and exchange of expertise.
The Romanian official also had a bilateral discussion with Miroslav Borshosh, Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria, on joint regional initiatives for the sustainable development of Balkan tourism. The Romanian delegation also met with Ion Valcu, Director of the Department for Affiliate Members of UN Tourism.
The Romanian delegation included Secretary of State Laurentiu Viorel Gidei, as well as representatives of the Romanian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Ambassador Sebastian Mitrache, Oana Nicoleta Ghica, Consul General, and Gianina Voda, Minister Plenipotentiary.
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