Naidu emphasises on partnership with Romania

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday acknowledged the "longstanding excellent relations between India and Romania," and laid emphasis on the partnership between the two countries across the political, economic, science and technology, culture and people-to-people domains.

"India and Romania relations predate our independence. Today, we are bound together as much by our shared values of democracy and rule of law as by our commitment to be responsible international partners contributing to peace, security and stability in our regions and the world," a statement issued by Naidu following his interaction with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis read.

"This morning's talks with President Iohannis and his delegation were very meaningful and productive. We acknowledged the longstanding excellent relations between India and Romania, reviewed bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed the mutual desire to comprehensively strengthen our partnership across the political, economic, science & technology, culture and people-to-people domains," the statement added.

The statement added that the two nations focused on enhancing trade and investment relationship covering sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, agri-foods, tourism.

Naidu also underscored the need to "fight the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and work together to eliminate the financing of terror and safe havens for terrorists and their sponsors."

"We thank Romania for supporting India's efforts at developing consensus on draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)," the statement noted.

"My talks with President of Senate of Romania, Mr. Calin Popescu-Tariceanu were meaningful and constructive. The longstanding excellent relations between India and Romania provided the backdrop for our fruitful engagement. India stands ready to intensify parliamentary visits and other high level exchanges between our countries to strengthen ties in the political, economic, culture areas," the statement added.

Naidu arrived in Romanian capital Bucharest for the last leg of his three-nation tour on Tuesday. The Vice-President is scheduled to attend the India-Romania Business Event, where he will address CEO's from both the countries.

He will depart for India on September 20.