Ties between Romania and Spain are deeply rooted in the unity of a Europe founded on unique cultural values, said deputy prime minister Catalin Predoiu, minister of interior, at the reception organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Bucharest, on the occasion of the National Day of Spain.

'October 12 marks the symbolic moment of the meeting of continents and the beginning of a new era in world history. Today we celebrate Spain's rich heritage and its global influence, but also the common values that unite us: freedom, diversity, solidarity and mutual respect. The ties between Romania and Spain are deeply rooted in the unity of a Europe founded on unique cultural values. These ties date back to ancient times, when our peoples shared the same Latin heritage - a heritage that still binds our languages, cultures and hearts today,' stated Predoiu.

He gave as an example the friendship of more than twenty years between Salvador Dali and the Romanian art historian Radu Varia, who was by his side in the creation of the Dali Museum in Figueres.

'In the name of friendship, Dali dedicated to Romania his extraordinary poem 'Yes', published throughout the world, in which - wanting to be the first in the world, like Emperor Trajan, who was born in the area that today is called Seville - Dali proclaimed himself Spanish, Roman and Romanian!' he added.

He pointed out that great soprano Mariana Nicolescu also achieved triumphant success at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona and at the Teatro Real in Madrid, where Her Majesty, Queen Emeritus Sofia herself, took the stage to congratulate her.

'A key element that strengthens our relationship is, without a doubt, the large Romanian community living in Spain - one of the largest and best integrated Romanian communities abroad. More than one million Romanian citizens live and work in Spain, actively contributing to the development of the country and acting as a true bridge between our two nations. They are our unofficial ambassadors - people who carry with them our traditions, language, culture and values,' he underscored.

At the same time, he highlighted that Bucharest and Madrid have long pursued common interests, and bilateral relations are based on common values such as democracy, peace and security.

'I believe that, in these difficult times, marked by increasingly complex crises in different parts of the world, strong ties, such as those existing between our two countries, unity and solidarity remain essential. No country can stand alone - not even in combating transnational crime, drugs or illegal migration, and even less so in the face of the major challenges we face. Romanian-Spanish cooperation has indeed experienced an upward trend and we express our hope that it will be further strengthened,' deputy prime minister Predoiu.

He also expressed his gratitude for the constant support provided by the Spanish authorities in the process of Romania's accession to the Schengen area, as it allowed this file, a strategic objective for Romania and for the consolidation of European security and cohesion, to advance towards a favourable decision.

'I take this opportunity to reiterate Romania's commitment to promoting friendship and cooperation with the Kingdom of Spain. I am convinced that, through our common determination, we will transform more opportunities into tangible results, to the benefit of our citizens and the international community alike,' Predoiu also stated and conveyed 'Feliz Dia de la Fiesta Nacional de Espana! Viva Espana!' AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Marin, EN - writing by: Cristina Zaharia)