DIPLOMACY

The Romanian foreign minister Bogdan Aurescu Monday took part in the meeting of EU foreign ministers (Foreign Affairs Council) and in a joint meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers. According to the Romanian foreign ministry, the EU officials primarily discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the implementation of the EU Action Plan on the geopolitical consequences of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. On this occasion, Bogdan Aurescu highlighted the multifaceted consequences of the security crisis generated by Moscow, with an impact beyond Ukraine, and warned against destabilizing Russian actions against the pro-European authorities in the Rep. Moldova. Mr. Aurescu voiced Romania’s support for carrying on the Union’s support efforts for Ukraine, including the provision of ammunition, and the need to further isolate Russia internationally and to maintain pressure on Kremlin. The Romanian official also announced that this April Romania and Ukraine will organise jointly a first high-level conference on Black Sea security, under the Crimea International Platform. Also in Brussels on Monday, at the international donor conference for Turkey and Syria, in the aftermath of the February earthquakes, Minister Aurescu announced a new financial assistance package totaling EUR 1.3 mln.