Israel and Romania are not only partners but also friends, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Monday during a joint press conference with Romanian President Nicusor Dan at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace.
He said that his state visit represented a symbol of the special bond between the two nations, which he noted has roots in centuries of Jewish history in Romania.
Herzog also said that before arriving at Cotroceni he had commemorated the Iasi pogrom that took place in that city.
He added that he had recalled the atrocities and expressed hope that the lessons would be learned and remembered and that all necessary measures would be taken so that the Holocaust is never forgotten.
The Israeli president said that antisemitism is once again spreading around the world.
He stressed that together people must stand up against what he described as poisonous hatred in all its forms, in Europe and across the world.
Herzog also said that Israel and Romania meet today as two strong and vibrant democracies, linked by deeply shared values and 70 years of diplomatic relations.
He referred to the challenges facing his country, stating that since the horrific massacre of 7 October 2023 Israel has been fighting on multiple fronts, including against Iran and its proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. He added that this war is not only against Israel but is being waged by what he described as the Iranian 'empire of evil' against the world. He also said Romania understands this danger and that Israel deeply appreciates Romania's continued support in what he described as a difficult struggle.
Herzog said Romania is a country that seeks peace and that Israel also wishes to live in peace with all its neighbours, free from the threat of terror and violence.
He said that Israel seeks peace with Lebanon, free from Iranian coercion, and expressed satisfaction that a memorandum of understanding had been signed with Lebanon as a basis for such peace.
He added that international support is needed to help Lebanon recover economically and achieve stability and also to support Israel's security.
He said Israel seeks peace with Syria and a new chapter, and also peace in Gaza, arguing that both the people of Gaza and the people of Israel deserve a better future, but that this can only be achieved through the full implementation of a United Nations Security Council resolution.
He mentioned that this resolution includes the disarmament of Hamas.
He also addressed Europeans calling for boycotts and sanctions against Israel, urging them to step back, engage in dialogue with Israel and work together towards peace.
In conclusion, the Israeli president invited Romanian President Nicusor Dan to pay a state visit to Israel. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)
