The relation between Romania and Spain has reached a true level of excellence in recent years, reflected in a robust Strategic Partnership, said Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who highlighted that the partnership between the two countries is a „dynamic construction, based on their common historical, cultural and linguistic heritage.”

Ciolacu attended the ceremony organised on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Spain by the Spanish Embassy to Romania at the Royal Palace, the National Art Museum of Romania.

„I am honoured and happy to be with you and to send you my best wishes on the occasion of the National Day of Spain, the Day of Hispanicity, a very important moment for every Spaniard. It is a good opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Hispanic culture to world heritage, which encourages respect for cultural diversity, in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding. The same spirit of cooperation and friendship also characterises the relationship between Romania and Spain, which has reached in recent years a true level of excellence, reflected in a robust Strategic Partnership. Our relationship is a dynamic construction, based on our common historical, cultural and linguistic heritage. A relationship that is growing stronger day by day, primarily due to people-to-people contacts,” said Marcel Ciolacu.

He underlined that more than one million Romanian citizens chose Spain as their second home, expressing his hope that the bilateral agreement on dual citizenship, an important wish of the Romanian community in Spain, would be signed as soon as possible.

Ciolacu pointed out that economic and trade ties are an essential part of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

„Spain is one of Romania’s main trade partners. Bilateral trade is growing year by year and Spanish investments in the Romanian economy are highly appreciated. Bilateral trade continues to grow, with a new record in 2023 in terms of trade value: 6.43 billion euros. We appreciate the quality of Spanish investments in Romania and the important contribution of the almost 7,000 companies with Spanish capital to the development of the local economy. There has also been an increase in the investments of Romanian companies in the Spanish economy, as well as numerous SMEs created by Romanian entrepreneurs established in Spain,” Ciolacu said.

The prime minister also underscored that Spain and Romania share a similar vision in relation to current regional and security challenges.

He also highlighted Spain’s concrete contribution to the deterrence and defence posture on NATO’s Eastern Flank.

Last but not least, he praised Spain’s „vocal and sustained” support for two objectives of priority interest for Romania’s foreign policy: full accession to the Schengen area and accession to the OECD.

Ciolacu concluded his message with sincere congratulations and wishes of peace and prosperity to the Spanish Government and people.

„I conclude by thanking the ambassador for hosting this event. I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes for peace and prosperity to the Spanish Government and people, which I had the pleasure to also convey in a message to my Spanish counterpart and friend, Pedro Sanchez,” Ciolacu added.

AGERPRES