By Andrei Stoian, Board Member of EURO-GCC
1. Romania and Saudi Arabia are approaching nearly 30 years of diplomatic relations,marked by growing cooperation in various fields. Established in 1995, the bilateral ties have strengthened significantly in recent years through high-level visits and new agreements. Your Excellency, how would you describe the current state of Saudi-Romanian relations and what do you see as the most promising opportunities to elevate this partnership further?
"The Saudi-Romanian relations stand on a solid foundation, having matured significantly since their establishment in 1995. In recent years, our partnership has gained renewed momentum through strategic dialogue, economic initiatives, and high-level exchanges. As we approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both nations have a shared interest in expanding cooperation in innovation-driven sectors, notably green energy, technology, which hold immense promise for future collaboration."
2. Saudi Arabia and Romania took a major step by signing a defense cooperation agreement in 2022, covering joint training, technology exchange, and military medical collaboration. What is the significance of this defense partnership for both countries, and how can enhanced military cooperation contribute to regional stability and security?
"The defense cooperation agreement signed in 2022 reflects the growing trust and shared strategic vision between our countries. It promotes mutual capacity-building through joint training, technological exchange, and military medical collaboration. This partnership not only enhances bilateral security ties but also contributes to broader regional stability by fostering interoperability, strategic dialogue, and shared crisis-response frameworks."
3. The Middle East’s geopolitical landscape is evolving, and Saudi Arabia has taken bold steps to promote regional stability. In March 2023, Riyadh and Tehran agreed to re-establish diplomatic ties in a China-brokered deal, easing a rivalry that had long threatened Gulf security. How has the restoration of Saudi-Iran relations altered the dynamics of the region, and what are your expectations for this détente in terms of reducing tensions and fostering peace in the broader Middle East?
"Saudi Arabia has been a peaceful country since ever. The restoration of diplomatic ties with Iran in 2023 marked a strategic shift toward dialogue and de-escalation. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to regional stability and peaceful coexistence. While challenges remain, the agreement has opened pathways for confidence-building, reduced tensions in sensitive areas, and enhanced prospects for diplomatic solutions in regional crises. Continued engagement, grounded in mutual respect, is essential."
4. From Yemen to Sudan, Saudi Arabia has increasingly acted as a mediator and a force for conflict resolution in the region. The Kingdom has led peace initiatives – for instance, co-hosting the Jeddah talks to seek a ceasefire in Sudan’s civil conflict– and has been instrumental in pushing for a lasting truce in Yemen. What role does Saudi Arabia envision for itself as a stabilizing force in the Middle East and North Africa, and how is it contributing to ending conflicts and humanitarian crises in neighboring countries?
"Saudi Arabia has a long-standing record of mediating conflicts for example (Lebanon, Ethiopia and Eritrea, etc.), and we see ourselves as a constructive player in peace efforts, mediation, and development across the Middle East and North Africa. Our approach is rooted in diplomacy, humanitarian leadership, and multilateralism. Initiatives like the Jeddah peace talks and efforts in Yemen and Sudan underscore our commitment to fostering durable political solutions, delivering aid, and supporting reconstruction. We believe regional security must be built through cooperation, not confrontation."
5. With President Donald Trump back in the White House, global diplomacy is once again entering a new and unpredictable chapter. The return of a familiar yet disruptive figure to the world stage raises questions about continuity and change in U.S. foreign policy. How does Saudi Arabia interpret the global implications of President Trump’s return, and what impact do you foresee on U.S.–Saudi relations as well as regional diplomacy in the Middle East?
"Saudi Arabia maintains a strong relationship with the United States that transcends individual administrations. While President Trump’s return may bring shifts in tone or policy focus, our bilateral dialogue will remain anchored in shared strategic interests — from security to economic ties. We will continue to engage constructively with U.S. leadership, adapt to evolving dynamics, and work toward stability in a complex regional environment. President Trump visited Saudi Arabia in May 2025 and participated in multiple high-level summits, which contributed to deeper mutual understanding, and signing of key bilateral agreements."
6. In early 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted high-level, backchannel talks between U.S. and Russian representatives on the Ukraine conflict – a major diplomatic move. This initiative has positioned the Kingdom as a potential mediator in one of the world’s most consequential conflicts. What motivated Saudi Arabia to take on this sensitive role, and what lessons from the Kingdom’s regional peace efforts could be applied to broader international negotiations such as the Ukraine war?
"Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Kingdom has managed to maintain an equal distance from all parties and preserve strong relations with each side, despite voting in favor of UN resolutions condemning the aggression against Ukraine. Its position was clear, as $410 million in humanitarian aid was provided to Ukraine, while simultaneously maintaining active political and economic ties with Russia.
During the conflict, the Kingdom successfully brokered a prisoner exchange between the two sides and hosted an international meeting of national security advisors aimed at resolving the Russian–Ukrainian conflict. These efforts have established Saudi Arabia as a credible and trusted international mediator, enabling it to host backchannel talks involving the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
Hosting these negotiations reaffirmed the Kingdom’s diplomatic approach rooted in dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes. Saudi Arabia emerged as a rational mediator seeking sustainable political solutions without aligning with any party to the conflict, strengthening its image as a responsible global actor capable of making a positive contribution to European and international security."
7. The Kingdom has been proactive in building strategic international partnerships beyond its traditional allies. In 2023 Saudi Arabia’s cabinet approved joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as a dialogue partner, deepening ties with China’s sphere, and the Kingdom is considering an invitation to join the BRICS economic bloc alongside emerging powers. How does Saudi Arabia balance these burgeoning partnerships with countries like China and Russia while preserving its long-standing alliance with the United States, and what is the long-term vision guiding Riyadh’s diverse diplomatic engagements?
"Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is built on strategic autonomy, pragmatism, and diversification. We aim to foster balanced relationships with global powers, each serving different aspects of our national interests. Engagements with China and Russia complement, not replace, our enduring alliance with the United States and EU. This multidirectional diplomacy ensures resilience, economic opportunity, and geopolitical flexibility in a multipolar world."
8. You began your diplomatic mission in Bucharest in 2021, arriving in the midst of a global pandemic. Since then, you have had the chance to experience Romania’s culture and hospitality up close while advancing bilateralties. What impressions has Romania made on you personally, and how do you believe increased cultural understanding – through education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges – can further strengthen the friendship between our nations?
"Despite the challenges I faced upon arriving in the midst of a global pandemic, I was warmly welcomed by the Romanian authority and the people, and I had the opportunity to experience Romania’s rich culture and genuine hospitality up close. What impressed me most was their deep attachment to traditions, which is beautifully reflected in their traditional clothing, folk music, and continuous celebration of their cultural heritage. This left a profound personal impression on me. In addition, I believe that cultural understanding is a key pillar of any strong bilateral relationship. Education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges help build trust and deepen connections. Through scholarships, tourism, and cultural initiatives, we continue to strengthen the bridges between our nations and open new avenues for meaningful cooperation rooted in genuine friendship."
9. Finally, looking ahead, the Saudi-Romanian relationship seems full of potential and positive momentum. Both nations are friends and partners, aspiring to take their cooperation to new heights. Your Excellency, what is your message to those following our two countries’ journey, and what are your hopes for the future of Saudi Arabia–Romania relations as we move forward into this new era of collaboration?
"Our partnership is anchored in respect, mutual benefit, and a shared vision for progress. As we look ahead, I believe Saudi Arabia and Romania have the opportunity to shape a strategic, future-oriented relationship that addresses global challenges and unlocks new horizons. My message is one of optimism — with sustained dialogue and cooperation, we can build a partnership that not only serves our nations but contributes to regional and global stability."
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