The President of Germany: Romania's place is in the Schengen Area

Germany has long been of the opinion that Romania's place is in the Schengen Area - Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is on a state visit to our country until Friday, reaffirmed today in Bucharest.

During a joint press conference with his Romanian counterpart, Klaus Iohannis, Steinmeier emphasized that he had come to visit friends.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier: I am also aware of the fact that in Romania, as before, there is a great expectation regarding full Schengen membership status. You also know the opinion of the federal government - we have been of the opinion for a long time that Romania's place is in the Schengen Area, and I can assure you that our support, to convince those who are on the sidelines, will continue.

For his part, President Klaus Iohannis welcomed Germany's firm support in the matter of Romania's accession to Schengen and expressed his hope that, through efforts to support the common European goal to strengthen internal security and the protection of the external borders of the European Union, will complete the admission of Romania to the free movement area.

Translated by: Radu Matei