Georgia, Romania pledge to explore “entire potential of cooperation”

Georgia and Romania pledge to intensify economic and political cooperation and the Prime Ministers of the two states have issued a joint declaration to this end.

The declaration says that Georgia and Romania are close partners historically and politically; also, geographically, the two countries represent a natural bridge between Europe and Asia, as both are linked by the Black Sea.

"We are therefore committed and obliged to explore the whole potential of cooperation that lies in the fields of transport, energy and security-related issues, as well as cultural exchanges. Considering the relevance of the Black Sea for advancing interconnecting links, we will, as a matter of priority, boost our efforts for developing and multiplying the transportation and energy routes along the Black Sea – Caspian Sea corridor and in relation with the larger neighborhood”, the declaration says.

• The full declaration can be found here.

Prior to issuing the declaration Georgia’s Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Romania’s Sorin Grindeanu met in Bucharest today where Kvirikashvili is paying a two-day visit.

Started visit to #Romania. Looking forward to interesting meetings and discussions @guv_ro#BlackSeapic.twitter.com/RGnxSgBLAG

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 26, 2017

Kvirikashvili and the Georgian delegation was met at the airport by Grindeanu personally.

"We have a joint purpose, which is to boost investments and increase bilateral trade. In this regard, there is a huge potential which our countries have not fully used yet”, Grindeanu said after his face-to-face meeting with Kvirikashvili.

"Together we have decided to speed up this process by activating our bilateral committee of economic cooperation through holding a session for business sector representatives.

He added that the Georgia-Romania intergovernmental committee of economic cooperation has not gathered since 2002 but it would soon resume its work after a long pause.

Discussed #BlackSea security on mtng btwn @guv_ro& @GovernmentGeo.Georgia will host next mtng of Economic Cooperation Council&business forum pic.twitter.com/lUUt7jC10F

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) April 26, 2017

Kvirikashvili confirmed that Georgia and Romania are beginning "active cooperation to increase opportunities” and said that their goal is "to fully use our transport and energy potential”.

Georgian Prime Minister meets with Romanian President in Bucharest. Photo" PM's press office

While in Bucharest, Kvirikashvili met with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis as well.

Iohannis confirmed Romania firmly supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.