Amid concerns about Russia’s escalating invasion of Ukraine, Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili arrived in Romania on Tuesday for a visit where the two nations will sign a declaration on the establishment of strategic relations.
The president was greeted at Henri Coanda airport by Romania’s ambassador to Georgia, Răzvan Rotundu and Nikoloz Nikolozishvili, the Georgian ambassador to Romania, who said the visit had “symbolic and practical” purposes.
Both countries, which border the Black Sea, have strained relations with Russia.
Earlier, President Klaus Iohannis welcomed Ms Zourabichvili at the Cotroceni presidential palace with military honors.
The leaders were joined by Romanian Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu for discussions on the regional security situation which has steadily deteriorated since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February.
Mr. Aurescu, and presidential advisers Luminiţa Odobescu, Sergiu Nistor, Cosmin Marinescu and Daniela Bârsan attended the ceremony.
The presidents “will focus on the recent developments and transformations at a regional and international level, particularly the security environment of the Black Sea, after Russia’s aggression of Ukraine,” Mr Iohannis’ office said.
They will also discuss prospects for Georgia’s membership of NATO and the European Union, which Romania supports.
Both countries want to increase connectivity in transport, energy and exchanges.
Later, the two leaders will sign a joint statement formally establishing a strategic partnership between Romania and Georgia.
Ms Zourabichvili will also meet Premier Nicolae Ciucă and parliament speaker Marcel Ciolacu.
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