Cairo: Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia ?oiu affirmed that Egypt consistently plays a responsible and constructive role in promoting stability and peace in the Middle East region, particularly with regard to the Gaza Strip.
According to State Information Service Egypt, ?oiu highlighted Egypt's ability to maintain communication channels with various parties and encourage solutions that help ease tensions and create opportunities for diplomacy. In an exclusive interview marking the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Romania, she described Egypt as a key pillar in the regional security architecture.
She noted that Egypt's mediation efforts in Gaza represent a model of pragmatic diplomacy and expressed Romania's support for Egypt's call for a lasting peace that guarantees security and human dignity. The Romanian minister stressed that Egypt is an important partner in international efforts to restore stability, address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and enhance prospects for reaching a lasting peaceful settlement in the region.
?oiu added that political dialogue between Romania and Egypt is marked by a constructive and pragmatic approach, supported by regular contacts and active diplomatic engagement, enabling both sides to address bilateral and regional issues and expand cooperation in various sectors. She expressed Romania's aspiration to further strengthen dialogue and elevate its partnership with Egypt, building on a solid foundation of trust and shared interests developed over 120 years of diplomatic relations.
She underlined the importance of cooperation during times of crisis, praising the swift assistance provided by Egyptian authorities in facilitating the safe transit and return of Romanian citizens affected by regional tensions, including the recent escalation involving Iran. This cooperation reflects the depth of bilateral ties and the spirit of partnership guiding relations between the two countries.
?oiu also commended her recent meeting with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Brussels last October, noting that the talks laid solid groundwork for strengthening relations within the framework of the European Union-Egypt partnership. Marking 120 years of diplomatic relations goes beyond a symbolic milestone, she said, describing it as a celebration of a strong relationship and modern partnership supported by tangible economic outcomes, cultural and educational exchanges, and sustained diplomatic engagement.
She noted that despite major transformations in both countries over the decades, the foundation of trust has remained firm, alongside a shared commitment to multilateralism and constructive international cooperation. The anniversary also honors diplomats, officials, business leaders, academics, and citizens who contributed to strengthening bilateral relations across generations, noting that it is difficult to single out one achievement when reviewing more than a century of ties between the two nations.
The Romanian minister said the strength of the partnership lies in the diversity of achievements across political, economic, and cultural fields, stressing that Egypt and Romania maintain close diplomatic relations and regular dialogue, support each other in international forums, and work jointly to promote regional stability and cooperation. She described Egypt as a key economic partner for Romania in the Middle East and Africa, noting that Egypt serves as a strategic bridge linking the Middle East and the African continent. Romania, located on the Black Sea in Central and Eastern Europe, offers Egypt an important gateway to European markets, symbolically linking the Black Sea with the Suez Canal and strengthening ties between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Trade has long been a cornerstone of bilateral relations, ?oiu said, noting that steady growth in bilateral exchange, exceeding pound 1 billion annually, reflects the vitality and long-term potential of the partnership. She highlighted the agricultural sector as another key area of cooperation, particularly in food security, noting that Romania has become one of Egypt's major wheat suppliers and consistently ranks among top exporters in recent years.
She also pointed to growing interest in developing long-term partnerships in grain storage, processing, and agricultural technology. Romania's main exports to Egypt include wheat, automobiles, agricultural machinery, timber, and wood products, while Egypt exports oil, fertilizers, textiles, and agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables to Romania. Egyptian produce is widely available in Romanian markets, reflecting the strong presence of bilateral trade.
?oiu said cooperation between the two countries is evolving beyond traditional oil and wheat exchange toward advanced sectors, including energy cooperation in gas infrastructure and renewable energy, digital transformation and information and communications technology, as well as logistics linking the strategic hubs of Constan?a Port and the Suez Canal Economic Zone. She noted that Egypt's ongoing economic reforms and ambitious development projects have attracted Romanian investors, while Romania's strengths in agriculture, energy, and technology align with Egypt's growing demand in these sectors.
Complementary economic strengths and strong political commitment could further boost trade, investment, and technological cooperation. The Romanian minister also highlighted modern infrastructure projects in both countries, including highways, ports, and industrial zones, noting that these developments support logistics and export-oriented industries and could expand cooperation in oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture, agricultural machinery, construction, infrastructure, tourism, and ICT sectors.
?oiu pointed out that interaction between the Egyptian and Romanian peoples dates back thousands of years, with historical evidence of contacts dating to the second century BC. She noted that one of Romania's prominent tourist destinations, Sinaia, is named after Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Trade relations were documented as early as the 18th century, while timber from Romanian forests was used in building the Suez Canal in the 19th century.
She also highlighted Romania's participation as guest of honor at the Cairo International Book Fair as one of the most notable recent developments, describing it as recognition of Romanian culture and a symbol of strong bilateral ties. She stressed the importance of cultural and educational cooperation, noting that thousands of Egyptian students have graduated from Romanian universities, often through government scholarships.
Cultural initiatives, tourism, and academic exchanges, she added, have helped strengthen ties between the two societies and deepen mutual understanding.