Marking the silver jubilee of diplomatic relations, Romanian Vice Foreign Minister Carmen Burlacu visited Korea last week to earmark progress in bilateral cooperation and sustain the momentum into the future.

Burlacu participated in the eighth round of high-level policy consultations at the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, meeting Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yong. They exchanged views on regional political developments; strengthening strategic partnership; and boosting investment in infrastructure, energy and information technology sectors.

“Our relations have progressed constantly over the last 25 years and the last several years have seen marked growth and diversification in trade and investment,” Burlacu told The Korea Herald at the Romanian Embassy in Seoul on Mar. 17. “Through our annual consultation, we keep dialogues moving forward and give more substance to our collaboration.”

Both diplomats affirmed their commitment to develop the port of Constanta and better manage an IT collaboration center in Romania; they also signed a provisional contract to ease immigration procedures for businesspersons.

Romania and Korea established diplomatic relations on March 30, 1990, and strategic partnership on September 11, 2008. 


The strategic partnership led to a joint action plan decreeing holding annual consultations to promote political dialogue, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges through tourism, educational and cultural programs.

Discussions on implementing concrete measures are made to address bilateral, regional and international issues under the umbrella of the plan, Burlacu said.

Romanian Ambassador to Korea Fabian Calin explained that policy consultations involve “reviewing the agenda” without having to “show something extraordinary,” such as signed agreements as is often the case during minister-level visits.

“The point is to figure out where the gaps are in our relationship, to fill in the missing link,” Calin said. “Like in music, diplomats try to keep the rhythm of dialogue flowing free of interruption.”

Since 1990, bilateral trade volume increased nearly seventyfold, topping $1.24 billion last year. Over 220 Korean companies, including Samsung Otelinox, LG Electronics, Hyosung Corp., Doosan IBGM and Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries, have invested in Romania with cumulative investment over $650 million, according to Korea’s Foreign Ministry.

Information communication technology, agriculture, renewable energy, oil and gas industries have much potential for enhancement, said Burlacu.

Burlacu has been a career diplomat with experience at the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, European Union and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Previously she was an ambassador to Ireland and became a state secretary of global affairs since May last year.

The vice minister highlighted Romania’s involvement in the EU Strategy for the Danube project, which aims to enhance physical connectivity along Europe’s second longest river by developing harbors and infrastructures.

“Korean companies can enter into the heart of the Europe, all the way into Germany, through the Danube starting from the Black Sea,” Burlacu explained. “Watercourse is also the most economic and environment-friendly means of transport.”

The Danube Strategy ranges from area-specific to regionwide projects, and Romania and Korea are in the process of identifying joint ventures, she said.

Similar to the Mekong River Development Strategy, the EU-led initiative aims to increase mobility, protect environment, promote prosperity and strengthen institutional capacity and security across the Danube by conjoining various stakeholders.

Calin pointed out, “There is a much deeper philosophy behind the strategy ― facilitating regional dialogue across and between the Balkan and Central European countries and integrating them economically.”

Burlacu said that by participating, Korea can materialize visions envisioned in the biennial Asia-Europe Meeting and triennial World Water Forum.

The ASEM is an international forum established in 1996 to foster cooperation between Europe and Asia through political, economic, social, cultural and educational ties to achieve a more balanced world order. Korea will host the seventh WWF in Daegu and Gyeongbuk from April 12-17 to address global water challenges and mobilize innovative solutions and joint policy actions.

Romania will participate in the Water Forum to promote its hydro energy and transport industries. Romania also took part in the Yeosu World Expo 2012 in Korea with a pavilion dedicated to the Danube Delta that attracted over 800,000 visitors.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)