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French Secretary of State for International Partnerships: We stand by you because we owe it to you
France stands by Romania in the context of the crisis caused by the war close to its borders, the Secretary of State for Development, Francophonie and International Partnerships within the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, said on Thursday at the reception in Bucharest for the National Day of France, which is also attended by Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca.
"This July 14th is not like any other. Today, at this celebration, I have a thought for another people, in turn attached to freedom, who are fighting with courage and heroism for their freedom. I am transmitting a thought to the Ukrainian people, who have been struggling and suffering for five months, and I would like us to mark this moment with applause. On their behalf, thank you," said the French secretary of state.
She added that in these times of crisis, Romania could count on French support for its security. "This unique relationship, forged in difficult times, is more precious in this serious time we live in. And in this time of crisis, we are with you. We stand by you, in the face of the humanitarian crisis generated by Russia's aggression. You have made Europe proud by receiving more than a million Ukrainian refugees," Zacharopoulou said.
The Secretary of State mentioned the NATO Battle Group led by France, as a framework nation, on the territory of our country, but also the fact that a significant part of France's emergency aid for Ukrainian refugees transits Romania, passing especially through hubs from Suceava.
At the reception in Bucharest, French troops deployed in Romania are also present.
"We are with you in the face of Russia's threats on the Eastern Flank of Europe," the secretary of state said.
She reminded the audience that on Friday she will co-chair in Bucharest the second meeting of the International Support Platform for the Republic of Moldova, a country that "has a special place in the hearts of Romanians". "This initiative has already raised tens of millions of euros in aid and together we will do even more. We stand by you because we owe it to you. But we owe it to ourselves. As French, but especially as Europeans," added Chrysoula Zacharopoulou.
According to her, in the face of the challenges of the present, "we have joined forces, as Europeans, to support Ukraine and to condemn Russia." "This solidarity is remarkable. And together with you, during the French Presidency (of the EU Council), we have managed to make European sovereignty progress and even open the door for the candidacies of Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova," the French secretary of state added.
She spoke about her attachment to fundamental French values. "I was born in Sparta, in Greece, much closer to Bucharest than to Paris. France has been my choice. I chose it for its language, for its beauty and culture, for its scientific excellence, but, above all, for its values. The ones we celebrate on July 14. This National Day marks a date on which a nation attached to the values of freedom, equality and fraternity has asserted itself," the official confessed.
In her speech, the Secretary of State also highlighted the historic French-Romanian partnership. "In these moments when the world is divided, we find ourselves through our fundamental ties. The French-Romanian friendship is one of them and today we celebrate it," said Chrysoula Zacharopoulou.
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