The world is facing „increasingly sophisticated” hybrid threats, but also „aggressive” disinformation and propaganda campaigns, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday at the German Embassy in Bucharest.

He participated in the reception organized on the occasion of the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Romania and Germany.

The prime minister noted that the current period is „so politically charged internationally”.

„We are facing an unprecedented level of increasingly sophisticated hybrid threats. We are also witnessing a fulminating rise of extremism and anti-Semitism in Europe and increasingly aggressive propaganda and disinformation campaigns spread by autocratic regimes. In the face of all these challenges, solidarity and cooperation at the bilateral and European levels are key principles for our actions,” he said.

Furthermore, Ciolacu assessed that we are going through „one of the most difficult historical periods in recent decades, in which the speed of change at the international level and at the level of our societies is overwhelming. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of who our friends are and to keep them close”.

The prime minister recalled, in his speech, that on February 20, 1880, Germany, France and Great Britain officially recognized the independence of Romania.

„Romania’s statehood was built with the support of these three great powers. We belong to the same cultural and civilizational space. History, geography, culture and shared values are all arguments that oblige us to move forward together. Today’s anniversary finds us in a delicate period internationally, but also in a moment of excellence for Romanian-German relations. The consolidated political dialogue at a high level, the fact that we have a joint action plan in the process of being finalized and the close economic cooperation demonstrate the depth of the bilateral relationship between our countries, reinforcing the old German proverb – ‘deeds speak louder than words'”, he also stated.

Marcel Ciolacu thanked Germany for the support granted to Romania for joining the Schengen area.

„Our countries are based on a solid bond ensured by the Romanian community in Germany and the German minority in Romania. At the same time, the relationship between our countries enjoys close economic and trade ties, at the highest level in the last 20 years”, the head of the Government also said.

He recalled that Germany is Romania’s main economic partner and that the two states are linked by common values.

„Romania and Germany share the same democratic values on which the European Union is founded: promoting peace and security and respecting fundamental rights and freedoms. Moreover, we must note that February 20 also marks the World Day of Social Justice, reminding us of the need to protect values such as solidarity, equality, fairness or access to social welfare and justice for all”, the prime minister stressed.

AGERPRES