President Mattarella at meeting with President Iohannis: Time for Romania to be part of the Schengen Area

AGERPRES special correspondent Florentina Peia reports: Romania's President Klaus Iohannis on Monday met his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, the official residence of the Italian president, with Matarella saying the time has come for Romania to be a member of the Schengen Area.

Photo credit: (c) Radu TUTA / AGERPRES PHOTO

The two presidents discussed bilateral issues and items on the European and international agenda.

Also featured in their conversation was Romania's accession to the border-free Schengen Area, with Mattarella reiterating his support and the support of the Italian Government for Romania achieving its accession objective.

"The time has come for Romania to be part of the Schengen Area," the Romanian Presidential Administration quotes Mattarella as saying in a press release.

The two heads of state voiced mutual satisfaction over the developments and substance of the Romanian-Italian relationships that are underpinned by traditions and strong ties and also a development framework in the shape of a consolidated strategic partnership of 2008.

In the same context, the importance of the economic and commercial relations between the two countries was emphasised, along with the existing potential for their amplification.

At the same time, mention was made of the importance of the Romanian community of Italy and the Italian community of Romania as a solid bridge for connection and cooperation between the two countries.

"President Sergio Mattarella underscored the significant contribution of the Romanian community of Italy to the country's economic development. In his turn, President Iohannis extended thanks to his Italian counterpart for the support of Italian...