Joint Declaration signed by Prime Minister Victor Ponta and his I…e Government of Romania and the Government of the State of Israel 22/09/2022, 10:53 of citizens. In particular documents such as next-generation e-passport can be correlated with the legitimate holder through biometric identifiers. The parties agreed to continue intensive dialogue at expert level to seek possible solutions for online identity verification. Bilateral trade, investment, finance and economic cooperation Based on the solid foundation of pragmatic cooperation actively pursued in the area of trade and economic development, bilateral relations between the two states reached an advanced long term partnership level, at many levels. The Governments will act to expand and diversify the trade flows between parties. The Israeli party mentioned that some Israeli companies have developed innovative IC&T solutions, cyber security, agro-technology, HLS, new- media and other hi-tech sectors that are potentially suitable for the Romanian market. The Romanian side has introduced a transparent and coherent policy to promote investment, including a favorable tax system and other incentives for foreign direct investment, which are applied to Israeli companies active in Romania. Romanian Government highlights the benefits that Israeli companies can get through participating in the development of technology parks and industrial zones in Romania. Both Governments signaled the importance of creating partnerships between the business communities to boost bilateral trade and economic relations. From this point of view, both Governments attach special importance to innovation and high value-added industries. Governments have invited industries and companies to cooperate in joint initiatives such as industrial / technological parks, and other investment opportunities to create new platforms of entrepreneurship and innovation in both markets. Regional development The Governments encourage cooperation in regional development and welcome the signing of a Joint Declaration between the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration in Romania and the Ministry of Construction and Housing of the State of Israel. Energy Energy sectors in Romania and Israel continue to undergo significant changes. Ensuring a high level of security of supply and keeping reasonable prices, with the integration of climate protection objectives requires market solutions and technological innovation. Both Governments intend to strengthen fruitful dialogue and successful cooperation in this field and to continue to encourage companies and Romanian and Israeli research institutes to cooperate. Environment The Governments seek to strengthen cooperation between the two states to protect the environment, especially in areas such as waste management, water resources protection and rehabilitation of water courses, integrated coastal zone management, marine environmental protection, wastewater treatment, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management, air pollution reduction, control and monitoring, promotion of environmental technologies, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, afforestation and measures to prevent and combat forest fires, environmental education and awareness. To facilitate this cooperation, Environment Ministers signed a Cooperation Agreement between Governments on environmental protection. Communications and Information Technology Governments will cooperate in the field of electronic communications and information technology, including cyber security policy and e-governance, and encourage cooperation within international organizations specializing and exchanging views and expertise in areas related to the policy process and regulations for electronic communications, information technology and e-government by signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Information Society of Romania and the Ministry of Communications of the State of Israel on various areas of cooperation. Agriculture Both Governments agree to jointly promote innovation in agriculture, which are closely linked to the global phenomenon of climate change and the need for global protection of the food security for future generations. There was taken into account the possibility of cooperation in agricultural projects in Africa. We jointly decided to initiate cooperation and exchange of views in the areas of rural development, animal breeding, plant protection and irrigation techniques, based on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministries of Agriculture, signed in 2013. Scientific and technological research, research and development Governments agreed to encourage and support bilateral cooperation in science and technology through the joint https://gov.ro/en/news/joint-declaration-signed-by-prime-minister-v…he-government-of-romania-and-the-government-of-the-state-of-israel Page 3 of 7