Romania went through decisive presidential elections, and the people had their say after a massive mobilization and their decision was sovereign, the French ambassador in Bucharest, Nicolas Warnery told Monday's reception for the National Day of the French Republic.
"I respected the necessary diplomatic reserve until the end of the campaign, but I am happy to wish the new president, the new government and their teams much success today. From the Union of the Romanian Principalities in the 19th century to Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, we are bound by 145 years of history, friendship and cooperation. Today, as in the past, Romania can count on France's support", the diplomat said.
He stressed that ensuring common security remains the main priority today and evoked the results of the recent NATO Summit in The Hague, as well as French involvement in Romania, in an allied context.
"As a historical and strategic partner of Romania, France is honored to fulfill here, on Romanian territory, the role of the framework nation of the NATO Battle Group that also includes troops from Belgium, Spain and Luxembourg. The service people of the Aigle Force train every day, not to start a war, but, on the contrary, to guarantee peace. The general who led the mission for the last two years ends his mandate this summer. I would like to convey to him my warmest greetings and thank him for all the work he has done. The mission continues, and this evening I greet the French military staff present here, who are part of the 11th rotation, Aigle XI", stated Warnery.
The diplomat recalled that France also wants to establish industrial partnerships and, in this way, contribute to the reconstruction of the defense industry in Romania.
At the same time, he also spoke about the war on the Romanian border, showing that "in the face of Russian aggression and attempts to destabilize the countries in the region, we must remain united and mobilized, in solidarity with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. France is prepared, together with the other members of the Coalition of Willing, to provide the security guarantees necessary to build a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. France also wants to establish industrial partnerships here and, in this way, contribute to the reconstruction of the defense industry in Romania."
The French official appealed for unity within the European Union.
"We forget that Europe is ourselves, the ones who build it day by day, here in Bucharest, in the other European capitals and, of course, in Brussels. If we have ended up building, over the years, a Europe that is too complicated or too distant from citizens, then we must simplify Europe, make it easier to understand and closer to people. This is the meaning of the simplification process that constitutes, today, one of the European priorities, which is a very good thing", said the French ambassador.
He referred to the construction of a sovereign Europe, based on the consolidation of competitiveness and energy independence. "This means investing in the technologies of the future, re-launching our industry, protecting our agriculture and food sovereignty, taking care of the environment, fighting disinformation and preserving our identity," the ambassador pointed out.
Nicolas Warnery also mentioned the importance of diplomacy in his speech.
"As crises and outbreaks of war multiply around the world and wreak havoc, let us not forget international law, multilateral diplomacy and negotiation, which some people shy away from today, even though they have made it possible, on several occasions since the creation of the United Nations, exactly 80 years ago, to silence weapons and establish lasting peace. As our planet faces challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and major pandemics, we must all learn or relearn how to listen to others, negotiate and seek the common good," he added.
The French Ambassador in Bucharest highlighted the cultural, academic, educational, linguistic, artistic and scientific cooperation in the bilateral framework, but also in the field of civil society, emphasizing that Francophonie in Romania is a real asset for the country and a strong vector of cooperation with France and all other French-speaking countries.
"This evening, I would like to greet all those who promote and teach the French language in Romania, in particular, the thousands of French teachers", he said.
He recalled that the bilateral relationship also has an economic component that has existed since the late 1960s.
"Romania's integration into the OECD, which France strongly supports, will further increase the country's attractiveness and attract new investors, from France and other countries", the ambassador pointed out.
The reception for France's National Day was also attended by the President of Romania, Nicusor Dan.
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