The House of Francophonie represents proof of belonging to a set of values that are to us, Romanians, a precious heritage, but also a catalyst for the energies of the present, President Klaus Iohannis said on Monday at the inauguration of the educational institution, write Agerpres.

The head of state was present at the event together with the Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo.

Moreover, the head of state said that the French official is „the first guest of this Romanian investment in the future of Francophonie.” He recalled that over 4,000 students from the countries of the International Organization of Francophonie are studying on the campus of the Bucharest Polytechnic. The president recalled that last year, when he participated in the laying of the foundation of the House of Francophonie, he had „an emotional meeting” with a group of refugees from Ukraine.

„It was a moment with a great symbolic charge, an expression of Romania’s solidarity with those who fight for freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, as well as for the prevalence of the force of law over the law of force. These values, which are also fundamental missions of Francophonie, will continue to remain essential objectives of our foreign policy and will continue to be priorities on our agenda at the international level”, added the head of state.

Iohannis said that, in the context of the beginning of the new academic year and the entry into force of the new education laws, which were based on the „Educated Romania” project, the inauguration of the House of Francophonie „represents an eloquent example of the efforts to internationalize higher education in the country Our”.

Thus, the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, within which the House of Francophonie is opened, is involved „in a very lively, challenging and stimulating academic competition”.

„I encourage the academic communities throughout the country to get involved with all their energy in the process of developing international partnerships and collaboration with the business environment, in order to increase the contribution of our higher education in the field of combating climate change, pollution and biodiversity damage. At the same time, we must focus on addressing the energy and cyber security challenges,” the president pointed out.

For his part, the rector of the Bucharest Polytechnic University, Mihnea Costoiu, stated that the new educational institution offers 500 scholarships, something unique among francophone universities. Also, the House of Francophonie has 300 places to stay, the rector also pointed out.