The Ambassador emphasised the positive development of her country. Debureaucratisation, digitalisation and the restructuring of state-owned enterprises are being advanced in order to strengthen competitiveness and efficiency. Investments in energy and the defence industry, innovation, as well as the promotion of agriculture, the food industry and tourism were identified as key priorities.

In view of propaganda and disinformation, particularly in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Romania’s National Security Strategy provides a clear framework. The Ambassador also highlighted the important role played by the almost one million Romanian citizens living in Germany, thanking them as well as the numerous sponsors who had supported the lavish buffet and generously filled the guests’ goody bags.

State Minister Florian Hahn emphasised the deep trust between the two countries. Close cooperation exists in particular in the fields of security and the economy. The threat to Romanian airspace posed by Russian drones, as well as attacks on Moldova, could not be tolerated. Cooperation in the defence industry and the presence of around 10,000 German companies in Romania bear witness to the close interdependence between the two nations. Like the Ambassador, State Minister Hahn also highlighted the role of the well-integrated Romanian community in Germany and the committed German minority in Romania.

A trio of first-class string musicians accompanied the event with high-quality classical music, and the informal part of the evening was opened with an exceptionally lavish buffet, to which many sponsors and friends of Romania had contributed.