Switzerland and Romania sign agreement on implementation of second Swiss contribution
Bern, 12.12.2022 - On Monday, 12 December, President Ignazio Cassis met with President Klaus Werner Iohannis and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă in Bucharest. President Cassis then signed an agreement on the implementation of the second Swiss contribution with Finance Minister Adrian Câciu. Under the agreement, Switzerland will provide CHF 221.5 million to finance various projects in Romania until 2029. Prior to visiting Bucharest, Mr Cassis had a working meeting with the President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
President Cassis praised the agreement as an opportunity to further deepen bilateral relations: "Switzerland and Romania have already worked together on several topics within the framework of the first Swiss contribution. The close cooperation that has been established has had a positive impact on the relations between our two countries," said Mr Cassis in Bucharest. In particular, economic relations have developed strongly in recent years and Romania is now Switzerland's most important trading partner in Southeast Europe.
The second Swiss contribution follows on from Switzerland's previous enlargement contribution. Between 2009 and 2019, Switzerland contributed around CHF 180 million to numerous projects in Romania, which benefited society as a whole. As with the enlargement contribution, the funds of the second Swiss contribution will flow into projects in which Romania is also participating financially. Experts from both countries will work on implementing the programme, which focuses on economic development, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability and social integration.
European policy and security situation
In addition to bilateral relations, European policy was also a topic of the high-level talks. President Cassis referred to the intensive exploratory talks currently under way between Switzerland and the EU. The Federal Council's goal, he said, was to stabilise and further develop the bilateral path with the EU.
The war in Ukraine and the security situation in Europe were also discussed. Switzerland paid tribute to Romania's commitment to stability and energy supply in Moldova, which shares a border with Romania.
Working meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu
Prior to the meetings in Bucharest, President Cassis held talks with President Maia Sandu. The exchange focused on the impact on Moldova of the war in Ukraine and Switzerland's support in that regard. A number of bilateral topics were also discussed.
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