Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated on Thursday that his absence from the World Economic Forum in Davos and the Munich Security Conference does not exclude future participation, specifying that his trip to the United States aimed at security and strengthening the strategic partnership with the U.S.
When asked why he chose to attend the U.S. Peace Council meeting, despite missing Davos and Munich, the head of state explained: „The fact that I did not go to Davos or Munich this year does not mean we will not go next time. I came here because it is an initiative of our strategic partner and it is a matter of security, given that, in today’s world, everything is interconnected. For example, we participate in the Will Coalition because we are interested in European security and it is important to be where decisions are made.”
He emphasized, in a press conference held at the Romanian Embassy in Washington, that Romania must be a partner in various formats and strengthen the partnership with the U.S.
"We do not choose between the United States and the European Union"
When asked how he responds to critics from the public space regarding the choice to go to the U.S., Nicușor Dan rejected the idea of an exclusive option between Washington and Brussels.
"The underlying question that we have heard since the electoral campaign is being raised. How do we choose between the United States and the European Union? And my answer since the electoral campaign has been: we do not choose between the United States and the European Union. We try to be correct partners in all the partnerships we have," he stated.
The President pointed out that Romania must be present in the current tense international context. "It is important for Romania to be a part as an observer, because we live in a security context where we need to be present," he said.
Romania, involved in support for the Middle East
The head of state also invoked Romania's tradition of involvement in the Middle East, including supporting civilians in Gaza.
"Romania has a tradition of collaborating and being present in the Middle East. We have evacuated children from Gaza and treated them in Romania or transferred them to other European countries. We provide scholarships for Palestinian students. We are committed to continuing this," Nicușor Dan stated.
He also appreciated the commitments made by other states at the meeting. "It is remarkable to me that many states in a better financial situation than Romania have offered to contribute," added the President, referring to Trump's announcement that the U.S. allocates 10 billion dollars for the Peace Council, and 9 other states will provide another 7 billion dollars.