Page 51 - Romania 100

Dear Romanian and French friends,
Having been Ambassador in Romania for almost a year and a half, I had the opportunity to notice the multitude and richness of the historical, cultural
and linguistic relations between our countries. For this issue of "Romania 100", I wish to celebrate the centenary of modern Romania evoking the events that will highlight the Franco-Romanian relationship in the coming months, thanks to this "high intensity momentum" that awaits us, Romanians and Frenchmen alike.
First of all, a moment of remembrance of the history that we share: on November 11, the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, gathered in Paris around one hundred heads
of state and government
to celebrate the centenary
of the 1918 armistice. The President of Romania, Mr. Klaus Iohannis, was present
at the event. On this occasion, the French President launched the first edition of the Paris Peace Forum, an event that will take place annually, as
a meeting of various actors,
on global governance and international cooperation in response to the challenges of globalization. Together with Romania and our various partners, we remembered
our common attachment to a strong multilateralism and to the debate of ideas.
A few days later, on November 27, shortly before the celebration of the centenary of modern Romania, presidents Emmanuel Macron and Klaus Iohannis opened together, in Paris, the France-Romania season, which will include an eventful programme until July
14, 2019. At first Romania will be honoured in France, and then it will be France's turn
to be honoured in Romania. Cultural, economic, scientific, academic, educational, tourist and gastronomic projects
will be carried out for almost eight months to present the best of our knowledge, of our contemporary cultures and creations in dozens of cities
in our countries. The season will primarily reach out to
the young generations from France and Romania, in order to incite their desire to renew and modernise our ancient relationship. I hope the youth in our countries will assume the awareness of this inherent legacy, the shared heritage and the untapped potential of our relationship. I rely on them to give impetus to the Franco- Romanian relationship and to take it further!
France and Romania have been united in history and together they have built a promising future through a relationship with a new dimension, supported by a constant and unwavering friendship and cultural proximity.
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