The policies on minorities are essential for a climate of peace and regional stability, President Klaus Iohannis said Tuesday in a meeting with representatives of the German community of Sibiu, alongside his German counterpart Joachim Gauck. According to the head of state, the bilateral collaboration on matters concerning Romania's German minority represents "a model of approach in a European spirit, a model of intercultural relations."
"The fact that the policies regarding the minorities are vital for ensuring a climate of peace and regional stability has become undeniable. The recent evolutions in southeastern Europe reconfirm the lesson the modern history of Europe has offered on many occasions: the national minorities can be a source of enrichment of the creative resources of a nation, a guarantor of peace and stability. Romania, with its 20 minority groups, understands very well their need of preserving and developing their own identity," said Iohannis. The Romanian president mentioned that the city of Sibiu is a perfect example of good understanding between the Romanian and the German communities. In his opinion, the German ethnics are "a first bridge" between Romania and Germany, and they who facilitate the dialogue among institutions and people.
"The partnership among the Romanians and the Saxons and Swabians of Romania is a pattern of coexistence and solidarity among different ethnic and religious groups, marked by harmony and respect. This reality is a reason of pride, imposing some high standards for the future. To Romanians, the German minority has always represented a landmark and a trustworthy partner, and the Germans of Romania have had the long of the time a major contribution to strengthening and modernizing the Romanian state," Iohannis added.
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