A delegation from the Storting has been in Romania on an official visit. Headed by President of the Storting Olemic Thommessen, the delegation also comprises four other MPs – Geir Jørgen Bekkevold (Christian Democratic Party), Margunn Ebbesen (Conservative Party), Ulf Leirstein (Progress Party) and Kari Henriksen (Labour Party).

Monday morning began with a meeting with Valeriu Stefan Zgonea, President of the Chamber of Deputies.

Support for anti-corruption efforts

The President of the Storting’s main message was to praise Romania for the efforts it has made to fight corruption and build up democracy.

“It takes time to build democracy, and it’s very important that Romania continues in its efforts, even though a certain amount of work remains to be done. Romania plays an essential democratic role in an unstable region, and is a source of inspiration for its neighbours,” Thommessen said after the meeting.

The visit from Norway has generated great interest in Romania. Large numbers of the Romanian press were there to greet the delegates after the meeting with the President of the Chamber of Deputies ended.

The principle aim of the trip is to reinforce parliamentary contact with Romania and to lend support to democratic development in the country.

“Strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation is essential for tackling common European challenges, not least in the sphere of democratic development. This is the first time I have travelled with a cross-party delegation in which several committees are represented,” Thommessen said.

Meeting with President Iohannis

Before leaving Norway, the President of the Parliament wished to stress just how important anti-corruption efforts are.

“Corruption stifles democratic development and undermines people’s confidence in democratic processes and political systems. Romania is making huge strides in its anti-corruption efforts, but a lot of work still needs to be done to prevent corruption and safeguard the independence of the justice system,” said Olemic Thommessen.

The President of the Parliament also made a speech during his visit to the Romanian Parliament. Read the President's speech.

The official visit has taken place on Monday 22^nd and Tuesday 23^rd June. During this time, the delegation was scheduled to meet the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis. The members of the delegation were also due to find out more about a project to ensure the efficient handling of electronic waste. This project, supported by EEA funding, has involved SINTEF, Scandinavia’s largest independent research organization. Norway is providing Romania with around 2.7 billion kroner in EEA funding over a five-year period.