Romania’s newly appointed ambassador to Israel, Radu Ioanid, visited the headquarters of the Romanian Patriarchate’s representation in Jerusalem where he met with the V. Rev. Archimandrite Teofil Anastasoaie on Monday, June 15.
“After a break of three years in which the position of ambassador was vacant, we are glad that it was finally decided that His Excellency will take over this position since we need to collaborate to solve the various problems faced by the Romanian community, visitors and pilgrims in the Holy Land,” archimandrite Teofil told the Basilica News Agency.
This is the first visit to the Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate that Ambassador Radu Ioanid made since taking office. He was accompanied by the Consul General of Romania in Haifa, Mr Mihai Ion, and the consul Traian Pleșcan.
Discussions were held on the problems that Romanians face in the Holy Land, but also on ongoing projects.
“The emergencies and priority projects we have were evaluated; many of the problems dragged on during this period because high-level decisions were needed, and now we hope to solve them.”
“We also showed the total openness of the Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate in supporting projects of Romanian interest and the expectation of Romanian pilgrims to return to the Holy Land,” said Archimandrite Teofil Anastasoaie.
The dialogue between the two officials also touched on the subject of resuming the pilgrimages.
“The ambassador presented to us the status of the negotiations he has these days with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Government regarding the agreement to allow travels and pilgrimages between the two states.”
“Things have not been completed, but there are hopes, and we can give this answer to those at home that the Romanian Embassy and the Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Holy Land are making sustained efforts to solve this problem.”
“With God’s help, we hope that shortly it will be resolved and we will be able to see each other again. There are many faithful at home who want to return and worship at the Holy Places,” said the Representative of the Romanian Patriarchate in the Holy Land.
Radu Ioanid took over the mission of Ambassador of Romania in the State of Israel on March 31, 2020.
Source: Basilica.ro
