Romania and Turkey are united by a solid strategic partnership, converging interests and common responsibilities at the Black Sea, Prime Minister Luca Niculescu said on Tuesday in a message on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Turkey.
The Prime Minister participated on Tuesday evening in the event dedicated to the National Day of the Republic of Turkey, held at the Bucharest National Opera.
“It gives me great pleasure to participate today in the celebration of the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, a moment of deep significance for the Turkish people. The reforms initiated by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic, laid the foundations of the modern Turkish state, and his vision of peace and stability continues to have particular relevance. This anniversary also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the common path of Romania and Turkey, united by a solid strategic partnership, convergent interests and responsibilities common in the Black Sea”, stated Luca Niculescu, according to Agerpres.
He emphasized that in the current security context, Romania and Turkey, as NATO allies and states bordering the Black Sea, have an essential role in strengthening regional security.
“We contribute together to strengthening the deterrence and defense posture on the Eastern Flank of the Alliance. And I use this opportunity to thank Turkey for its valuable contribution to the Allied presence in Romania and to the joint defense efforts. We welcome, in this context, Turkey’s hosting of the NATO summit in Ankara in 2026, a landmark moment for the Alliance, which reconfirms Turkey’s essential contribution to strengthening Euro-Atlantic security. Maritime cooperation is an eloquent example of our capacity for action. The naval task force in the Black Sea, developed together with Bulgaria, contributes directly to the safety of navigation. I welcome the expansion of its missions to protect the submarine critical infrastructure. The security of the Black Sea has implications that go beyond our region, and protecting the freedom of navigation remains a priority for us.”
He also pointed out the importance of cooperation in the field of defense, including through joint projects for the modernization of the armed forces and the development of the relevant industry.
“The taking over of the corvette ‘Rear Admiral August Roman’ in the operational structures of the Romanian Armed Forces illustrates the concrete nature of our strategic collaboration”, he added.
At the same time, the prime minister reiterated that Romania remains a firm supporter of deepening the dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Turkey, a candidate state for accession and an essential partner of the Union.
Niculescu also appreciated Turkey’s assumption of the role of host and president of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), an expression of its commitment to promoting international cooperation and identifying common solutions to global challenges.
The Head of the Executive mentioned that the economic dimension represents one of the essential pillars of the Romanian-Turkish relationship.
“The very large economic and commercial exchanges, which reached almost 13 billion dollars in 2025, confirm the dynamism of this cooperation. Turkish investments in Romania and the participation of Turkish companies in major infrastructure, energy, transport and production projects demonstrate mutual trust and considerable development potential. We also propose to work to increase Romanian investments and exports in Turkey,” he said.
Beyond strategic and economic cooperation, the relationship between Romania and Turkey finds its true strength in the ties between people, cultivated over generations, added the prime minister.
“The Romanian community in Turkey, respectively the Turkish and Tatar communities in Romania, are a living expression of these ties and examples of harmonious coexistence and integration. I wish to convey to them, also on this occasion, my full appreciation. They are deep ties that have accompanied the upward course of Romanian-Turkish relations, to the consolidation of which, over time, prominent personalities from political and diplomatic life have contributed. I remember the great Romanian diplomat Nicolae Titulescu, who captured the essence of this rapprochement, showing that “the friendship of the Turkish people and the Romanian people is based on an instinctive attraction, which has withstood all the historical vicissitudes”. Today’s strategic partnership proves that this vision has kept its relevance”, said Niculescu.
The Prime Minister thanked the ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Bucharest, Ozgur Altan, and his wife, both for organizing the event and for their constant contribution to strengthening the Romanian-Turkish partnership.
“On the occasion of the National Day, I send the Turkish people my warmest congratulations and wishes for peace, prosperity and success. Happy birthday to the Republic of Turkey!” said Luca Niculescu.
