President Nicusor Dan sent a message on Friday on the occasion of the World Congress of Ruthenians, in which he emphasised that he will be a president of all Romanians and he will capitalise on the diversity of citizens’ voices.

„We are a nation built on good understanding between our citizens of different ethnicities and confessions, and the fulfillment of the common good is the result of the contribution of each of us. I undertake to be the president of all Romanians and to capitalise on the diversity of citizens’ voices, out of the conviction that Romania has constantly proved its vocation as a country open to dialogue and tolerance, as a privileged space of cultural, spiritual and historical confluences that have shaped its destiny. Together, we have accumulated a valuable experience of coexistence and respect for the unity in diversity that is the basis of the United Europe,” stated Nicusor Dan, in the message presented by state counselor Catalina Galer, at the meeting taking place at the Palace of Parliament.

According to the president, in this national framework, „defined by the values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for the dignity and rights of every citizen, the Ruthenians have the opportunity to highlight their historical heritage and patrimony, to contribute through valuable human resources to the community of national interests with their own perspective on the future of Romania.”

„Thus, we join our efforts to rebuild trust between communities, between people and institutions. It is up to each of us to give a real chance to solidarity, pluralism, tolerance and constructive dialogue, education and civic involvement,” added the head of state.

He said that a community survives the test of time if it knows and preserves the foundations of its existence: its language, traditions, heritage and identity.

According to the president, the Ruthenians have made an important contribution to the history and culture of Romania and Europe.

„Your numerous presence and that of the international delegations in the Romanian Parliament shows the respect you enjoy, the trust given to the Ruthenians in the common effort to create an inclusive and integrative society. I hope that the work of the World Congress of Ruthenians will materialise in new projects that will increase the visibility of the Ruthenian minority, encourage young Ruthenians to know their roots, and mobilise new energies for everything we can do together,” Nicuşor Dan also conveyed.

AGERPRES