Rumania was the only Eastern European country to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel after the Six-Day War. The bi-lateral ties involved extensive trade, tourism and technical and scientific cooperation. From time to time, high-level meetings took place either in Jerusalem or in Bucharest. The following communique summed up the visit of Foreign Minister Macovescu:
The Rumanian Foreign Minister and Mrs. Macovescu visited Israel between 9 and 12 September 1974 on the invitation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mrs. Allon.
The visiting ministers were received by the President, Prof. Ephraim Katzir, and met with the Prime Minister, Mr. Yitzhak Rabin and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Haim Bar-Lev.
In talks held in the course of the visit, the Foreign Ministers of Rumania and Israel exchanged views on the international and Middle East political situation, including topical subjects concerning Israel and the Arab countries.
Both parties expressed satisfaction with progress achieved so far, and held a frank discussion on the next phase on the road to peace in the region.
The Ministers reviewed the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, and expressed satisfaction with achievements which had been to mutual advantage. They agreed to further extend relations, in particular in the fields of commerce, tourism and cultural exchanges, as well as technical and scientific cooperation.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Haim Bar-Lev, is to visit Rumania in October to discuss plans for the promotion of production and marketing in the framework of the Joint Committee on Commerce. Both parties emphasized the importance of frequent contacts to discuss all matters of mutual interest.
All talks took place in the frank and cordial atmosphere which characterizes the relationship between both countries. Participants in the meetings included the Rumanian Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Ion Covaci, and the Israeli Ambassador to Rumania, Mr. Yohanan Cohen.