Romanian ambassador hails Egypt as cornerstone of stability amid regional turmoil
Romania’s ambassador to Cairo, Olivia Todrin, has described Egypt as a “key pillar of stability” in an increasingly volatile regional landscape, calling on the European Union to strengthen its strategic partnership with Cairo across political, economic, and cultural fronts.
In an exclusive interview with the Middle East News Agency (MENA), Todrin stressed that the EU must recognise Egypt’s vital role as a stabilising force, a supporter of conflict resolution, and a partner in post-conflict reconstruction and sustainable development across Africa and the Middle East.
She praised the European Parliament’s approval in April of a €4 billion financial assistance package for Egypt, a move overwhelmingly backed by Romanian members of parliament.
“This package is a message of confidence and positive expectations regarding Egypt’s ability to develop, modernize, and prosper,” Todrin said, noting that the funding reflected Bucharest’s “long-term vision of mutual benefit and resilience in a complex global environment.”
The ambassador highlighted a deepening bilateral relationship, pointing to a constructive political dialogue and plans for assistant foreign minister-level consultations this year to build on the Romanian foreign minister’s official visit to Cairo last October.
She said 2026 will mark 120 years of diplomatic ties, with commemorations designed not only to celebrate the past but to “build the future” through expanded trade, cultural exchanges, and sustainable development initiatives.
Todrin said economic cooperation between Egypt and Romania had gained “renewed momentum,” with trade volumes reaching $1.14 billion in 2024.
Egyptian exports to Romania, valued at $642.1 million, included fertilizers, petroleum derivatives, textiles, ceramics, and fresh produce such as citrus fruits and vegetables, while Romanian exports worth $499.7 million centred on wheat, corn, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and industrial goods.
She emphasised agriculture, energy, and education as the three pillars of bilateral cooperation, citing Romania’s role as Egypt’s third-largest wheat supplier and its expertise in oil, gas, and renewable energy.
She also highlighted joint initiatives, including agreements between the Egyptian Town Gas Company and Romania’s CIS Gas Company, cultural collaborations such as Romania’s participation in the Cairo International Book Fair, and academic partnerships, including a joint film management degree with the American University in Cairo.
On regional security, Todrin voiced Romania’s concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging all sides to “return to diplomacy and negotiations” to achieve a two-state solution.
She confirmed Romania’s contribution to humanitarian efforts, including the evacuation of children for medical treatment, with more than 41 currently receiving care in Romanian hospitals alongside their families.
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