ForMin Melescanu: Romania is willing to engage in talks on reformed Schengen area

Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu said on Monday that Romania is willing to engage in talks on reforming the Schengen area. 

"I reiterated the need to return to a fully functional Schengen area, which is to the benefit of citizens and the business environment, as well as Romania's willingness to engage firmly in the discussions on a reform of the Schengen area," Melescanu told a joint news conference in Bucharest with Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Karl Erjavec. 

He showed that, as far as European cooperation goes, Romania and Slovenia have similar views on a number of important files. 

"We have highlighted the need for a uniform, consistent, principled and solidary approach of the management of many current challenges on the EU's internal and external agenda so as to ensure the successful continuation of the European project and the strengthening of the EU profile on a global scale. I have shown that even at this stage of the negotiations, Romania's priority is to obtain firm guarantees regarding the equal treatment and non-discrimination of European citizens in the UK after the UK's withdrawal from the EU," Melescanu said. 

He added that in his conversation he stressed the long-term identification of migration solutions and the importance of maintaining the credibility of EU enlargement policy in the relations with the aspiring member countries. 

He pointed out that they also discussed the Western Balkans, insisting on the need to maintain security and stability in that region. 

"Both Romania and Slovenia have a special interest in the irreversible anchoring of the region on the European pathway. All the countries in the area must, from our point of view, be supported and encouraged to implement the necessary reforms to bring them closer to the European Union," said Melescanu. 

He also emphasised the importance of supporting the European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova and the need to encourage the country to continue the implementation of the reforms in accordance with the obligations undertaken under the association agreement concluded by Moldova with the European Union. 

"I have expressed Romania's support for a strong political commitment of the EU in the Eastern Neighbourhood and a strategic approach by the EU of the Eastern Partnership," he said. 

Melescanu also said that, despite the "notable lack of progress", the Minsk Agreements are the only framework agreed to address the conflict, with international support of the "Normandy format". 

The talks between the two officials also focused on the US role in European security and cooperation inside NATO. 

"We have emphasised support for the fight against terrorism and Romania's commitment to combatting violent extremism and radicalisation," Melescanu said. 

He added he discussed with the Slovenian official economic relations, showing that there is an important growth potential in the area. 

"We have mentioned our desire to increase the dynamics of the economic relations in terms of increasing trade," said Melescanu. 

He added that this year Romania and Slovenia celebrates 25 years of diplomatic ties Romania and 10 years since the opening of mutual embassies in the two countries. AGERPRES .