U.S. Ambassador to Romania Kathleen Kavalec unveiled a bust of Woodrow Wilson, U.S. President from 1913 to 1921, in Lucian Blaga Square in Cluj-Napoca on Wednesday, alongside Mayor Emil Boc.

Among the speakers who highlighted the personality of the former American president were Mayor Emil Boc and President of the Romanian Academy Ioan Aurel Pop.

President Wilson holds a special place in both America’s history and in Romania’s history. After World War I, he emerged as a strong supporter of a more regulated and peaceful global order. Wilson’s support for the self-determination of nations gave hope to people around the world, including here in Romania, said Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec.

She added that President Wilson would have been an advocate for dialogue and cooperation today.

If he were here today, Wilson would undoubtedly push for a world where dialogue and cooperation guide us toward common solutions, rather than the use of threats or instruments of war. I have no doubt that he would strongly condemn Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and warn us against the dangers for democracy posed by hate-driven rhetoric and covert manipulation. I imagine he would applaud the global efforts to address the challenges of our century, such as climate change and equal opportunities for all, said the U.S. Ambassador to Romania.

The bronze bust of Woodrow Wilson, U.S. President from 1913 to 1921, was made by sculptor Ilarion Voinea in 2002 and was previously placed in the courtyard of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. It has now been relocated to Lucian Blaga Square to be displayed to a wider audience of Cluj residents and tourists visiting the city centre.

AGERPRES