Eren Abdullahoğulları, ISTANBUL- Consul General Macec Valentin says ties between Turkey and Romania are strengthening in 2026 across trade, investment and culture. Valentin highlighted friendly sporting encounters and expanding educational cooperation as signs of deeper bilateral engagement.
Romania’s Consul General in Istanbul, Macec Valentin, said the long-standing friendship between Türkiye and Romania is becoming more tangible in 2026. He emphasized growing economic activity, deeper cultural cooperation and sporting events that reinforce mutual goodwill.
Match and sporting relations
“I feel sadness after the match; Romania played well,” Consul General Valentin said, describing the stadium atmosphere as warm and friendly. He added, “Respect for former Romanian football stars such as Hagi and Popescu, and for coach Mircea Lucescu, helped create that atmosphere.
“The presence of the President of Türkiye at the match was a special honor.”
World Cup hopes
Valentin expressed hope for Romania’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup: “Of course we hoped. Although the opposing team is valuable and experienced, the match showed that the difference between teams was not decisive. Many scoring opportunities and the crowd’s enthusiasm offered spectators an enjoyable spectacle.”
Trade and investment relations
Consul General Valentin noted a marked increase in trade volume from Turkey to Romania between 2025 and 2026. “We expect Turkish investments in Romania to remain robust. Even though the geopolitical situation is not calm, we believe trade and investment will be sustainable,” he said.
Valentin highlighted that Turkish companies are particularly active in construction (infrastructure and housing), technology transfer, vehicle production and spare parts, defense and healthcare. “Short distances, historical ties and mutual trust form the basis of our business relations,” he added.
Romanian investments in Turkey
Valentin said Romanian investment in Turkey has traditionally focused on trading companies and production facilities, and more recently has diversified into technology, defense and medical sectors.
Cultural activities and educational cooperation
Valentin stressed the importance of cultural and educational initiatives. He praised Romanian language programs in Istanbul, noting, “The first class of B1 Romanian language graduates at Nişantaşı University received their diplomas. Current classes include more than 60 Turkish citizens studying Romanian.” He also noted that events organized by the Romanian Cultural Institute in Istanbul attract hundreds of participants and strengthen cultural bridges.
Migration and labor mobility
Following Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area, Valentin said there has been an increase in investments and skilled labor movement from Turkey to Romania. “Turkish companies bring capital, knowledge and qualified personnel. Transparent and predictable investment rules make the process smoother and faster,” he said.
Despite regional uncertainties and geopolitical risks, Consul General Valentin said the friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Romania are expected to continue strengthening. “Active cooperation in trade, investment and culture will make the shared future of our countries brighter,” he concluded.
