Min Toiu, at the opening of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy

For a long time, foreign policy in Romania used to a national consensus, except for now, Foreign Minister Oana Toiu said on Monday at the opening of the Annual Meeting of Romanian Diplomacy (RADR).She said that representatives of several political parties are present at the opening of RADR, showing that the discussion on foreign policy issues indicates "Romania's unwavering journey on the transatlantic path."According to the minister, vocal diplomacy is needed, because "the source of power in foreign policy is society, it is the citizens' vote."Toiu called for a conversation that "must be clear, open, without taboos.""The message is simple and direct: you can rely on Romania," said the minister, who added that trust in Romania is "a long-term investment for partners."She added that the security of the Black Sea is an "essential" issue for the entire European Union, and Romania "must lead this discussion.""Russia remains the main challenge and will remain so no matter how the peace negotiations end," she added.Toiu also called for a greater role for Romania in terms of EU enlargement, for the effort to become "partners for the accession process of Romania's neighbours".The minister reiterated Romania's support for the Moldova and announced that she will accompany President Nicusor Dan to Chisinau on August 31, Romanian Language Day."The conversation we have here today, on stage, between different parties, with many differences between us, is a conversation that shows Romania's unwavering journey on the European path, on the transatlantic path. Romania's unwavering power to support our neighbours on the European road, the absolute moral clarity we have at the political level to understand that the war on our border has only one option for Romania: to support peace, to support peace by making the necessary efforts around us, in the European framework, in the transatlantic partnership, to ensure that our neighbours have the tools they need to achieve this lasting and just peace."The minister added that a paradigm shift is currently needed, without changing the pillars on which Romania builds its foreign policy."The Black Sea, the security of the Black Sea, is an essential theme for the entire European Union, it is an essential theme for the transatlantic partnership. Romania is at a moment when it must lead these discussions. We are expected to come up with proposals, we are expected to come up with ideas, we are expected to be the ones who host and outline this agenda. Because we and our neighbours know the best thing we have to do here together and we have already started to do it."Right now, the minister added, Russia remains the main challenge and will remain, regardless of how the peace negotiations end, "an element to which we must pay attention, but a country in relation to which we must be prepared.""Romanian diplomacy is in the front line of this mission. Through our joint effort we support the strengthening of the NATO posture on the eastern flank and building a solid approach to the security of the Black Sea. Yes, we need to develop the defence dimension of our partnerships: the United States, European allies, and other partners. The message is simple and direct: you can rely on Romania. We must remain firmly anchored in defending our values and determined to contribute to the security of the region and the world. Our European Union membership, NATO membership and the strategic partnership with the U.S. remain the foundations of Romania's foreign policy," the minister said.