Romanian President Nicusor Dan on Wednesday took a break from a messy political crisis that has left the country without a fully functioning government for seven weeks to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.
Despite the good mood, the president came face to face with interim Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, a political rival who was ousted in a no confidence vote last month and a reminder that his two picks to replace him have failed.
The pair were pictured shaking hands on the stage with US Ambassador to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg as our photo gallery below shows.
But Dan rose to the importance of the occasion to evoke shared Western values and praise Romania’s 30-year strategic partnership with the United States.
He also reminded hundreds of guests, including diplomats, military, politicians, members of the business and international community and Romanian officials, about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which spilled over into Romania last month after Russian drones hit an apartment building, injuring two residents.
Romania shares a 640-kilometer border with Ukraine.
“We must not forget that, in our neighborhood, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, and Romania and its citizens are directly affected by the consequences of the reckless escalation in which the Kremlin has engaged. NATO’s Eastern Flank and the Black Sea region are on the front line of Russian threats.”
Striking a different tone, Dan said that Romanians’ “perseverance” in belonging to the Western community of values are more important than ever.”
They are also the reason why I have the honor to welcome the independence of the United States as President of a country that in 2027 will celebrate 30 years of being a Strategic Partner of the United States, 20 years of belonging to the European Union and 23 years of being a member of NATO.”
“These three pillars are the foundation of the Western identity of today’s Romania, a dedicated, honest and responsible partner, which contributes to ensuring our common security and prosperity.”
I would also like to express on this occasion the deep gratitude of Romania and each of its citizens for the efforts of the United States and our Allies to strengthen defense and deterrence measures in our country,” he went on.
“But while we are grateful to all our Allies, I assure you that Romania takes full responsibility for its own defense and contributes to the security of its partners,” addressing US President Donald Trump’s criticisms that allies contribute too little to the Alliance.
Here is a transcript of the president’s speech made at the reception offered by the US Embassy in Romania on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Independence Day.
Dear Ambassador Nirenberg,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a distinct pleasure to extend, on behalf of the Romanian people, warm congratulations to our American friends, as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Throughout history, certain events and ideas transcend the boundaries of time, place, and nation. They become more than defining moments for a single nation or era. They enter the shared heritage of humanity and continue to inspire generations across the world.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States is one such landmark. It belongs first and foremost to the American people. Yet, in a profound sense, it belongs to all who cherish the values it proclaims: liberty, equality, human dignity, and the right of peoples to determine their own destiny.
In this spirit, the Declaration is “ours” as well, and today we join our American friends in celebrating this historic milestone and its enduring legacy that has helped shape the modern world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The 250-year journey of the United States did not begin and has never been traveled in alone.
Beyond the moment of proclamation, independence was won through struggle and with the support of several European powers. Now, the United States holds a central role in a system of alliances and partnerships that ensure our freedom, security, and prosperity.
This “Western” system, in a political sense, not geographically, has a special value for Romania, as a state that, since the Union of the Principalities, has voluntarily and consciously assumed the role of exponent of a civilization built on the ideas and principles that animated the Founding Fathers of the United States.
It is a role that has required and requires a lot of effort, generation after generation, in an often discouraging regional context.
Today, the results of Romanians’ perseverance regarding belonging to the Western community of values are more important than ever. I am also the reason why I have the honor to welcome the independence of the United States as President of a country that in 2027 will celebrate 30 years of being a Strategic Partner of the United States, 20 years of belonging to the European Union and 23 years of being a member of NATO.
These three pillars are the foundation of the Western identity of today’s Romania, a dedicated, honest and responsible partner, which contributes to ensuring our common security and prosperity.
We must not forget that, in our neighborhood, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine continues, and Romania and its citizens are directly affected by the consequences of the reckless escalation in which the Kremlin has engaged. NATO’s Eastern Flank and the Black Sea region are on the front line of Russian threats.
I would also like to express on this occasion the deep gratitude of Romania and each of its citizens for the efforts of the United States and our Allies to strengthen defense and deterrence measures in our country.
But while we are grateful to all our Allies, I assure you that Romania takes full responsibility for its own defense and contributes to the security of its partners.
In a few days, at the NATO Summit in Ankara, I will present to President Trump and our allies the efforts that Romania is making to increase the capabilities of its armed forces. Thus, we are resolutely participating in the joint European effort to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security.
Mr. Ambassador, bilaterally, we are working intensively for a common goal, that of raising the Strategic Partnership between Romania and the United States to a higher level of ambition and to fully exploit the full potential we have, as the closest and most dedicated ally of the United States in this region.
I am confident that we will make significant progress by seizing strategic opportunities, for the benefit of our citizens, in areas such as defence, trade, energy security, advanced technologies, cybersecurity, strategic connectivity and the development of secure supply chains.
Our country’s accession to the OECD is a strategic priority, not only because of national economic interests, but also because of belonging to a set of common values, and the support of the United States is essential in this endeavor.
And because I have recalled values that we share, I return to the idea with which I started – the enduring force of the ideals proclaimed by the Declaration of Independence. This force must continue to inspire us today, as we face complex challenges and overlapping crises globally. Our most effective common weapon is unity, and the strength of unity comes precisely from our common values. That is why Romania will remain unwavering alongside the United States in defending freedom and democracy.
Happy Birthday to the United States of America! Happy birthday to the Romanian-American friendship!
Happy Independence Day!
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