IntMin Dan and Italian counterpart Salvini discuss bilateral cooperation in security area

"We both agreed that we need more collaboration and confidence in the European Union, and these are built through dialogue and mutual knowledge. We underlined how the Romanian community in Italy and the Italian community in Romania represent a powerful bridge between us, which contributes to the economic and social development of our countries," Minister Carmen Dan on Tuesday, after the meeting with the Italian official at the Interior Ministry (MAI) headquarters. 

She believes that it's natural for a constant dialogue to exist between the two governments for the welfare of Romania's and Italy's communities. 

"I know that the Italian Government is very concerned with fighting criminality. I reconfirmed my colleague our zero tolerance regrading criminality and the availability to continue the efficient collaboration between our law enforcements in order to prevent and fight criminality. Therefore, when we are talking about crime, things are clear: the perpetrators of criminal offenses have to be held responsible regardless of their citizenship, that is why we express our full support and, once again, assure Minister Salvini of the full cooperation of the law enforcement authorities of Romania," Carmen Dan stated. 

In her view, Romania has at its disposal all the necessary instruments for strengthening police cooperation, through both internal affairs attachés and the Romanian police officers who continue to be sent on mission in Italy. In the shortest time, another interior affairs attaché will be sent to Rome. 

"The context in which Romania will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU will be a complex one, marked by multiple challenges. We will focus on advancing files that can bring tangible results for the European citizens. The Romanian Presidency won't have an easy mission, but it will be fully engaged in acting like a genuine impartial mediator and a consensus facilitator," Carmen Dan stated. 

In his turn, Matteo Salvini gave assurances, on behalf of the Italian Government, that the relationship between the two countries will only get better. 

"We are border countries and we expect Europe to make a contribution to improving internal security. The Romanian community of Italy has more than one million people and it is obvious that the mistakes of the few should not affect others and I thank the Romanian authorities, the security services that have contributed to identifying wanted persons," Matteo Salvini said. 

He mentioned having in mind the organisation of a meeting between the Justice Ministers of the two countries, for deepening the topic of prisons' overcrowding which Romania and Italy are confronted with.