Ukrainian Language Day and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania are being marked on Wednesday with a series of events at the Palace of Parliament.

The event opened with a solemn moment of prayer and commemoration for the victims of the war in Ukraine and for the founders of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania.

President Nicusor Dan, in a written message, extended his congratulations, underscoring the importance of both events for Ukrainians in Romania.

'This celebration takes place in the difficult context of a dramatic war, but precisely for that reason it takes on precious meaning, reminding us of the power of community and the strength of solidarity. Faced with the suffering caused by the war, the message of unity and compassion becomes moral support and a reaffirmation of our shared unity and dignity. (...) The Ukrainian language today carries the hope of a people fighting for freedom and peace,' Nicusor Dan said in the message read out by Ana-Maria Geana, State Adviser for Romanians Abroad within the Presidential Administration.

The president also voiced confidence that 'dialogue between the Romanian and Ukrainian authorities can yield concrete, European solutions to the legitimate requests of the Romanian minority in Ukraine for mother-tongue education, in line with the international commitments assumed by both countries.'

'Dear Ukrainians, your community is an example of resilience and loyalty to your roots and, at the same time, to Romania. Our country needs the contribution of every community, your energy, your cultural commitment and perseverance, so that it remains a space of diversity and European values,' Nicusor Dan added.

MP Nicolae-Miroslav Petretchi, president of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania, said that ethnic Ukrainians 'have remained loyal to the Romanian state, as well as to the ethnic and cultural identity inherited from their ancestors.'

In a video message, Oleksiy Leonov, co-chair of the Deputy Group of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on inter-parliamentary relations with Romania, conveyed thanks to Romania for both humanitarian and military assistance.

'I am honoured to congratulate you on the 35th anniversary of the founding of your organisation. These 35 years of the Union of Ukrainians in Romania are not just a number, but proof of the preservation of the Ukrainian spirit, which will be passed on to future generations. Thanks to your efforts, the Ukrainian community in Romania is today respected and holds a strong position. (...) Special thanks to the Romanian people and to the Union of Ukrainians in Romania for the support given to Ukraine. Thank you for sheltering refugees from Ukraine, thank you for the logistical chains that allowed our military forces to maintain the skies above our homeland, thank you for training the pilots and soldiers who, without exaggeration, are now defending the whole of Europe. Ukraine today defends European values. (...) Your support represents a strategic partnership,' Oleksiy Leonov said.

Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Adrian Felician Cozma, congratulated the Ukrainian community in Romania and noted that it plays a 'bridge-building role between Romania and Ukraine.'

Mihai Jurca, head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, said that 'minorities in Romania have over time made an essential contribution to the richness and diversity of this country.'

'Every community, whether Ukrainian, Hungarian, German, Slovak, Jewish, Roma, Turkish, Tatar or Serbian, preserves and passes on traditions, languages, crafts and unique cultural and historical perspectives. This ethnic mosaic, in a democratic country that guarantees minority rights through its Constitution, is a strategic asset for social and economic development,' Mihai Jurca said.

Among those attending the event held in the 'C.A. Rosetti' Hall of the Palace of Parliament were MP Varujan Pambuccian, MP Vasile-Daniel Suciu, Dan Iancu - Director General of the Department for Relations with the Eastern Neighbourhood in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of the County School Inspectorates in Suceava, Botosani, Timis, Tulcea, Caras-Severin, and officials from Timis, Suceava, Galati and Cluj-Napoca. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)