During the meeting held at TEPAV, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Oana-Silvia Țoiu emphasized that Turkey serves as Romania’s gateway to Europe. The discussion focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries, Black Sea security, energy cooperation, and Turkey’s EU accession process. Minister Țoiu highlighted the significant role of Turkish investments in Romania’s economy and underlined the shared vision of both nations for regional stability.
The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) hosted Oana-Silvia Țoiu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, on November 7th, 2025. The event brought together representatives from public institutions, civil society organizations and diplomatic representatives from various embassies in Ankara. The meeting was moderated by Ambassador (E) Murat Ersavcı, Director of TEPAV’s Center for International Studies.
Turkish investments play a significant role in Romania’s economy
Foreign Minister Țoiu underlined that Romania-Türkiye relations are built on 150 years of diplomatic ties and mutual trust. “The Strategic Partnership Declaration signed in 2011 elevated our bilateral relations to a new level. Romania remains a reliable NATO ally and a gateway to Europe for Türkiye” Minister Țoiu noted.
Highlighting that Türkiye is Romania’s largest trading partner outside the European Union, Romanian Foreign Minister Oana-Silvia Țoiu emphasized the strong presence of Turkish companies in Romania’s economy particularly in construction, logistics, and manufacturing and underlined that cooperation through the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) would help both countries further deepen their partnership.
The Minister also pointed to cultural and educational links, noting that Romania and Türkiye could work together on joint projects for Ukraine’s reconstruction, which would contribute to both regional stability and prosperity.
“Romania supports Türkiye’s EU membership”
Addressing regional challenges, Foreign Minister Țoiu stated: “Strong cooperation among Black Sea countries is vital for energy resilience and for maintaining freedom of navigation. Romania’s extraction of natural gas from the Black Sea strengthens regional energy security.”
Romanian Foreign Minister Țoiu reaffirmed Romania’s commitment to NATO’s collective security framework, adding that the country continues to modernize its defense capabilities. On Türkiye’s EU accession process, she reiterated Romania’s long-standing support, saying: “EU enlargement remains essential for Europe’s competitiveness and its ability to provide better opportunities.”
The discussion concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where Minister Țoiu addressed questions on energy cooperation, Black Sea security, and the EU-Romania-Türkiye relationship.
