Sarkozy comes to Bucharest for a “strategic partnership”

A spokesman for the French President, David Martinon, said that a document will be signed during this visit to establish a “strategic partnership”.

As Sarkozy openly admitted, France is seeking to redefine its role as a new super power in a world with many poles, and Eastern Europe, with both its pains and its proximity to the Caucasus and Caspian regions makes its of great geopolitical and politico-economic interest. Romania, which is the most important member of the European Union in this area, can play an essential role in Paris’ regional strategy, according to observations by French political analysts.

However, Sarkozy’s mission will not be an easy one, according to these same analysts, especially since he will meet a President in Bucharest who does not share the same vision about the international system. Le Monde did not fail to remind its readers that in November 2004, shortly after winning the presidential elections, Traian Basescu said he will advocate a “Washington-London-Bucharest axis,” while a mere two years later, in December 2006, the US established military bases in Romania.

Romania hosted a meeting of francophone country leaders last year, but the country has sided with the US many times since the collapse of communism, including in its decision to send troops to support the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Furthermore, Romania was the first country to grant immunity to U.S. troops deployed in international missions, stirring anger in France.

Nicolas Sarkozy will land at Henri Coanda International Airport at 13.30 hours, going directly to Cotroceni Palace, where he will be received with honors by Romanian President Traian Basescu. The two will attend a working lunch, followed by the signing of a “strategic partnership” document and a press conference for Romanian and French journalists. Sarkozy will meet Romanian Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu and the Chairmen of the two Chambers of Parliament, Nicolae Vacaroiu and Bogdan Olteanu. Olteanu has announced that the Treaty of Lisbon, according to which Europe is to become more democratic, transparent, and efficient, promote values, and become an actor on the global stage, will also be ratified.