The Meeting of Romanian National Theatres in Chisinau is marked by stepping up Moldova’s accession to the European Union, President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday in a message to the opening of the event delivered by presidential adviser Sergiu Nistor.

The meeting unfolded under the high aegis of President Iohannis and his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu.

„This is already the fourth edition of the festival organised under these aegis, in a special context, marked by speeding up the accession of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. This year’s theme, ‘European Connections’, naturally reflects the role that Romanian culture, dramaturgy and theatre, have had over time, that of expressing and supporting the European aspirations of Romanians.”

Iohannis also said that through its great playwrights, stage directors and actors, and through the deep connection to a loyal audience, the Romanian theatre continues to be „a binder between generations and that offers an exemplary framework for dialogue and interculturality.”

„Theatre has become a consolidated bridge on which humanist values and the hope of freedom have circulated, even in the most difficult moments of history,” Iohannis also said.

He added that the present is marked by serious crises and threats to democracy and peace.

„Here, in Chisinau, they are acutely felt. However, the artists of the Romanian national theatres, together with guests from heroic Ukraine, will take the stage to convey a message of confidence in the European destiny of the Republic of Moldova and of solidarity with the will of its citizens to join the great European family.”

The President added that Romania remains „a tireless supporter” in this journey.

„Beyond the political, economic, diplomatic efforts, the culture that unites us also plays an essential role, and the Meeting of Romanian National Theatres is an exceptional event and an eloquent example of this unifying force.”

AGERPRES