Italy and Romania are jointly giving voice to a consistent, determined and united Europe, Romania’s acting Prime Minister Catalin Predoiu said on Monday evening at a National Day of Italy ceremony in Bucharest.
„Allow me, first of all, to convey, on behalf of the Romanian government and the Romanian people, the warmest wishes for peace, prosperity and unity to the Italian Republic and to all its citizens, wherever they may be in the world. Because today, in every corner of the planet, the heart of Italy beats with pride. Romania and Italy share much more than a simple geographical belonging to Europe. We have common Latin roots, a deep cultural closeness, a human and spiritual bond that, over time, turned into a genuine strategic partnership – one that has become increasingly solid. The renewal and updating of our strengthened strategic partnership, carried out in 2024, is clear proof to the depth, vitality and vision of the future that define our bilateral relations,” said Predoiu.
This partnership reflects our common commitment to a pragmatic political dialogue, consistent economic cooperation and a rich and fertile cultural exchange, he added.
He said that Italy is one of Romania’s main strategic partners – both bilaterally and within the European Union and NATO.
According to him, one of the most eloquent symbols of the connection between the two nations is the Romanian community in Italy – one of the most sizeable and dynamic.
„Romanian women and men who live and work in Italy contribute every day to the development of the Italian society, bringing with them the richness of Romanian culture, building bridges of dialogue, respect and friendship. At the same time, we recognise the importance of the Italian diaspora – Italian citizens who, far from their native country, carry with them the values and beauty of Italian culture, becoming true ambassadors of the spirit.”
Predoiu also said that Italy is Romania’s second trading partner and an essential investor, especially in areas where the excellence and tradition of Italian entrepreneurship are well known: textiles, food, energy, automotive and tourism.
„We are proud of these achievements and look confidently to the future. We also welcome the cooperation between our ports – Constanta and Trieste – as strategic hubs in Europe, and we attach great importance to cooperation in the field of defence and security. Italy is a close ally, and together we are committed to stability, democracy and peace, including through our constant and firm support for Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova.”
Predoiu also mentioned the deep cultural ties between Romania and Italy.
„We are united by the echo of the Latin language, we are linked by the values passed down from generation to generation, the love for beauty, for the arts and heritage. From academic exchanges to language study, from classrooms to cathedrals and museums, to the long-awaited Romania-Italy Cultural Year in 2026 and symbolic initiatives, such as the restoration of the statue of St Peter on Trajan’s Column – our common heritage continues to inspire us and bring us closer,” Predoiu said.
He went on to point out the need for mutual support among nations, given that internationally „we are living a complicated historical moment.”
„Global challenges – from armed conflicts to the green transition, from energy security to geopolitical tensions – require unity, solidarity and cooperation. More than ever, nations that share common values must support each other. Italy and Romania jointly give voice to a consistent, determined and united Europe. Our common commitment to peace, stability and sustainable development is proof to what we can build together, with hope and confidence in the future,” Predoiu said.
At the end of his speech, the interim PM conveyed his warmest wishes for peace and prosperity for the Italian Republic and for the friendship between the two peoples.
„Long live Italy! Long live Romania! Long live our friendship! Happy Republic Day!”
AGERPRES
