The Romanian-German relationship has reached in recent years a new level of maturity and efficiency, in the spirit of European solidarity that both countries support, declared interim Prime Minister Catalin Predoiu, on the occasion of the farewell reception offered by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bucharest, Peer Gebauer.

„You have represented your country with honor and professionalism, in a period marked by unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, then the outbreak of the war in Ukraine – these were critical moments in which the collaboration between Romania and Germany not only endured, but was strengthened. You have demonstrated professionalism and a deep understanding of the Romanian context. You have been more than a representative of your country – you have become our friend and part of Romania’s journey”, said Catalin Predoiu.

He highlighted the important role of liaison that Ambassador Gebauer had, together with the Romanian Ambassador in Berlin, between the Romanian and German authorities, both at the central and local levels.

„Our teams have worked together to further strengthen bilateral ties, for the benefit of all our citizens, in the spirit of European solidarity that both our countries uphold. In the current security context, marked by numerous challenges, there is a need for efficient structures, pro-active, stable and resilient institutions. These joint efforts have deepened not only institutional coordination, but also the human ties that give meaning to diplomacy,” said Predoiu.

He stressed that proof of the level of excellence achieved in bilateral relations was the fact that last year April 21 was established as „Friendship Day between Romania and the Federal Republic of Germany”.

At the same time, Predoiu also pointed out that this year marks 145 years of Romanian-German diplomatic relations, a symbolic moment that comes in a context in which bilateral relations between the two states are stronger and better anchored in European and global realities.

He also mentioned the initiation of the Romanian-German Joint Action Plan in 2023.

„Through the Romanian-German Joint Action Plan, which is in the final stage of negotiation, you have contributed to shaping a coherent framework for sectoral cooperation, from economy and energy, to education and research. This plan is a concrete and lasting legacy, which will guide our common steps in the years to come,” Predoiu mentioned.

The interim Prime Minister also highlighted Germany’s strong and constant support for Romania’s accession to the Schengen area, as well as the support offered to both Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in a difficult geopolitical context, including through the excellent cooperation within the Partnership Platform for the Republic of Moldova, initiated in 2022, together with France.

Last but not least, Predoiu noted that, also thanks to Ambassador Gebauer’s involvement, Romanian-German economic and trade relations have reached the highest level in the last 20 years.

Germany continues to be Romania’s main trade and investment partner, with a share of 20.5% in exports and 18.6% in imports, he mentioned.

The interim Prime Minister pointed out that the remarkable activity carried out by Ambassador Gebauer was distinguished by the conferral, in 2023, by the President of Romania, of the National Order of the Star of Romania in the rank of Grand Officer, or by the awarding, in April this year, of the Order of Honor of the Jewish Communities in Romania.

„For all these reasons and many others, I am convinced, Mr. Ambassador Gebauer, that you will continue to be a true friend of Romania even after the end of your mandate in Bucharest. (…) We expect you to return to Romania as often as possible. Any pretext is welcome. Even a football match – a sport so dear to the Ambassador”, Predoiu said.

AGERPRES