Reporter Kayla Lee

President Yoon Suk-yeol held a summit with Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis on July 11, as part of the NATO Summit, to discuss substantial cooperation between Korea and Romania and major international issues including the North Korean nuclear problem.

President Yoon expressed his expectations for close cooperation between the two countries not only in the automotive and steel industries, in which they have collaborated in the past, but also in future areas such as nuclear power plants, infrastructure development, and defense.

In particular, President Yoon acknowledged the selection of a Korean company as the operator of the tritium removal facility at the Cernavodă Nuclear Power Plant (in June) and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Busan Port Authority and Constanța Port Authority (in May) for the development of the largest port in the Black Sea, Constanța.

Furthermore, when President Yoon requested special attention and support for Korean companies that have entered Romania, President Iohannis stated that Korean companies have contributed significantly to the economic development of Romania and assured that the Romanian government will have great interest in and support for them.

Moreover, the two leaders exchanged views on the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and international affairs, including the situation in Ukraine. 

President Yoon emphasized the importance of international cooperation for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, and President Iohannis expressed his agreement.

Both leaders also agreed to closely cooperate for the cessation of the conflict and restoration of peace in Ukraine. President Yoon praised President Iohannis for his responsible leadership in providing support for Ukrainian refugees and facilitating Ukraine's grain exports through tariff exemptions.

Meanwhile, President Yoon requested the support of the Romanian government for hosting the 2030 Busan World Expo, which he envisioned as a solution platform for global challenges.

Photo Caption: President Yoon Suk-yeol holds a summit  with Romanian President Klaus Werner Iohannis on July 11.