Chairman Tariceanu, UK MP Blackman discuss prospects for continuing Romania-UK political dialogue

Prospects for the continuation of the political dialogue in the favourable context of the economic co-operation relations between Romania and the United Kingdom were discussed on Tuesday at a meeting between Romania Senate Chairman Calin Popescu-Tariceanu and a delegation of the Romania-United Kingdom Parliamentary Friendship Group led by MP Bob Blackman. 

According to a Senate press statement, the delegation also included MP Drew Hendry, Romania's honorary consul in Inverness, and John Grogan. 

"The meeting allowed for a review of the main issues of interest on the bilateral agenda and of the prospects for the continuation of the political dialogue, in the context of the favourable economic co-operation relations between the two countries, the bilateral strategic partnership and the attention granted by the Parliament of Romania to the sizeable Romanian community in the UK. On the European context of the dialogue between the two countries, Popescu-Tariceanu expressed his belief that the negotiations on the UK's exit from the EU will follow a systematic and predictable process that will form the basis for the future European Union - UK relations, with the signing of a reconciliation agreement representing a first step in this direction." 

The Romanian side also spoke about the importance attached by the Romanian Parliament as a representative forum to Romanians abroad, highlighting the need for the European citizens' rights to free movement continuing to be respected based on the principle of reciprocity and non-discrimination. 

Tariceanu unveiled a series of priorities of the internal agenda, mentioning the importance of Romania finalising the process of legislative reforms in fundamental areas for strengthening the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, with the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms being front and centre. He said that correct information and close communication with external partners will lead to this goal being met. 

Also attending the meeting were the British ambassador in Bucharest Paul Brummel and Romania's ambassador to the UK Sorin Dan Mihalache.