Romania and Germany enjoy a privileged, strategic relationship, President Klaus Iohannis said on Monday evening, at an event organized on the occasion of German Unity Day, adding that Romania continues to be a solid and reliable partner of Germany in the central and south-east European area, with a deep attachment to European and Euro-Atlantic values, according to Agerpres.

He recalled that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Romanian-German Treaty on friendly cooperation and partnership in Europe.

According to the president, the close cooperation between the two countries is based on the dynamic political-diplomatic dialogue, on substantial economic cooperation, as well as on important interpersonal ties. In this context, he recalled the meetings with the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and with the Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz.

President Iohannis stated that Romanian-German relations are based on deep connections between the societies and economies of the two countries.

„The numerous Romanian community in Germany, very well integrated into German society, contributes greatly to the socio-cultural diversity and prosperity of the German state. Equally, the ethnic German community in Romania has made a significant contribution throughout centuries, to the social, economic and cultural development of the Romanian state. An important tool for promoting the identity of the German minority is the Intergovernmental Joint Committee for ethnic Germans in Romania. We appreciate the very good performance of this year’s edition, from Berlin, and we are already waiting for the edition from next year, which will take place in Timisoara,” he said.

The president also mentioned the economic component of the bilateral relationship with Germany, showing that this country continues to be Romania’s most important commercial partner, with a value of bilateral exchanges of over 35 billion euros last year, an increase compared to previous years. He also indicated that these exchanges have already reached almost 20 billion euros in the first half of the current year. President Iohannis also stated that Germany is the third investor in the Romanian economy, with substantial investments made including in top sectors.

Klaus Iohannis also mentioned bilateral cooperation in the field of education, especially German expertise and support for the implementation of dual education, which is a key factor in increasing the professional insertion capacity of young people.

„The continuation of projects and initiatives in this field creates synergies between education and the economy and can contribute substantially to the development of our economic cooperation,” the president went on.

Klaus Iohannis also spoke about the war in Ukraine, showing that it generates broad political-economic and security implications, as well as tragic human consequences.

„In this context, the process of reunification and reconstruction of Germany continues to be a source of inspiration for overcoming the current difficulties. The fall of the Berlin Wall remains a symbol of solidarity, democracy, unity and peace. The chancellor of German reunification, Helmut Kohl, considered awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union, in 2012, as ‘wise and visionary’ and ‘a confirmation of the European peace project’. Today, this project is in danger and we have the duty to protect it ceaselessly. (…) To be able to face the current regional and global challenges, it is necessary for the states that share the values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights to strengthen their coordination, solidarity and unity. (…) The reunification of the German people, on October 3, 1990 , and the European Union project, which today is more alive than ever, are examples of successes that give European citizens the chance to live in peace, freedom and prosperity, as well as the power to overcome the difficulties and challenges of the current world through joint action and solidarity,” Iohannis said.

The president of the Chamber of Deputies, Marcel Ciolacu and Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca were among those who participated in the event.

Agerpres