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Romania interested in predictable, pragmatic relations with Russia - foreign minister

He also called for steps to revive economic cooperation between the two countries

BUCHAREST, November 5 (Itar-Tass) - Romania is interested in building predictable and pragmatic relations with Russia, despite the differences that might exist between the two countries, Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean told journalists on Tuesday.

“Despite the delicate historical disputes between our countries, Romania, taking into account its geographical location at the eastern border of the European Union and NATO, should build a normal, functional, pragmatic and predictable dialogue with Russia,” he said.

He also called for steps to revive economic cooperation between the two countries. “Last year, trade turnover between our countries was about four billion U.S. dollars, of which Russian exports accounted for three billion U.S. dollars. It is a visible deficit, and we would like to change this situation. Romanian businessmen want to be present on the Russian market.” As a response, in his words, Bucharest “is ready to offer Moscow its vote in the European Union and NATO bodies.”

“I would like to stress that Romania is a member of NATO and the European Union,” the Romanian foreign minister went on to say. “When decisions concerning Russia are passed at these organizations, Romania’s vote matters. For instance, we are discussing the partnership between the European Union and Russia.”

Corlatean also said Romania would want to discuss with Russia the issue of the gold reserves taken to Russia during World War I. It also wanted to open a cemetery of Romanian soldiers killed in the Battle of Stalingrad near Russia’s Volgograd, he added.