Romanian FM highlights Black Sea, food security at UN General Assembly
Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu’s agenda as part of the Romanian delegation, led by President Nicușor Dan, at the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (September 21–25, 2026) focuses on several areas, including maritime and food security in the Black Sea region; international law, peace and security; the Francophonie and the future of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF); the role of women leaders in peace and security; Romania’s role as President of the Executive Boards of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS); as well as Romania’s involvement in the UN reform process as co-chair of the process to revitalise the General Assembly.
The agenda also includes meetings with representatives of the US media and think tanks, CE Report informs via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania's official website.
On the first day, Țoiu held meetings with UN officials and bilateral talks with members of the US Congress, attended the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, and took part in a ceremony marking the centenary of Queen Marie of Romania’s visit to the United States through the memorialisation of a New York intersection.
Talks with Khalilur Rahman, President of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, focused on the importance of collective responsibility and the need for pragmatic approaches to support the peace and security pillar of the UN’s mission, strengthen the role of the General Assembly in finding solutions to complex global challenges, and promote effective multilateralism.
Minister Oana Țoiu welcomed EU member states’ coordination efforts to promote multilateralism and the EU’s objectives for the 81st UN General Assembly. She highlighted Romania’s role in the Black Sea region and the need for international pressure to ensure the flow of grain to global food markets, while also stressing Romania’s constructive cooperation throughout the session.
The Romanian foreign minister also held talks with her counterparts from Vanuatu, Marc Ati; Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; and Morocco, Nasser Bourita. The meetings continued and strengthened political dialogue, particularly regarding the development of bilateral cooperation and cooperation within international frameworks. Țoiu reaffirmed Romania’s interest in deepening cooperation within the Francophonie and promoting shared values and initiatives.
The Romanian official also met with US Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina. The main topics discussed included the latest developments affecting the common interests of Europe and the United States, security in the Black Sea region, Romania’s contribution to energy security and its strategic partnership with the United States, the US military presence in Romania, and aspects of economic and business cooperation.
At the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, which also included their counterparts from Australia, India and South Korea, as well as Japan’s deputy foreign minister, Țoiu welcomed dialogue and privileged multisectoral cooperation with these countries. At a time when global security continues to deteriorate and interdependencies between the two regions are increasing, developing new avenues for global cooperation is essential for the EU and its member states.
The Romanian official briefed participants on Romania’s efforts to facilitate grain transit and the central role of the Port of Constanța in ensuring global food security and access to grain supplies for countries in Africa and the Middle East. She also highlighted the potential for cooperation with Indo-Pacific countries to strengthen supporting infrastructure.
At the same time, Țoiu condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine and the escalation of the situation in the Black Sea region, and called for Moscow to engage genuinely in the peace process and end hostilities. She also highlighted the potential of Security and Defence Partnerships and trade relations, identifying maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, supply-chain security and countering hybrid threats among the areas with potential for enhanced cooperation.
The first day of the visit to the United States also included participation, alongside Romanian President Nicușor Dan, in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the 100th anniversary of Queen Marie’s historic tour of the United States.
Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
