The first space flight of a Romanian citizen was not only a personal achievement, but also a lesson about the importance of investing in education and courage, Senate Chairman Mircea Abrudean said on Wednesday at an event celebrating 45 years since Dumitru Prunariu's mission in 1981 aboard the Soyuz-40 spacecraft and the Salyut-6 space station.

'Forty-five years ago, Romania made history when a Romanian citizen inscribed his name among the great pioneers of space exploration. It was a moment that meant much more than a technological achievement and became a symbol of courage and confidence in the power of education and research. For generations of Romanians, that flight brought inspiration and hope, showing that progress is built through ambition and courage, and also through knowledge, cooperation and vision. (...) The first space flight of a Romanian citizen was not just a personal achievement. It was also a lesson about the importance of investing in education and courage. For many young people, this moment has become proof that, through hard work, discipline and knowledge, the limits once considered impossible can be overcome,' said Abrudean, who met an international delegation of astronauts at the Parliament House.

He recalled that, at that time, Romania became the 11th country in the world to send a cosmonaut into space, an achievement that reflected the dedication, training and professionalism of the researchers and specialists of the country.

'Here, at the Romanian Senate, we are not just marking an anniversary or a symbolic stage. We celebrate the courage to look beyond limits, the importance of international cooperation, and the ability of science to bring people, institutions, and states together around major common goals. The presence of representatives and esteemed members of the international space community, together with outstanding astronauts, gives this anniversary a special significance. At the same time, it sends an important message: space exploration remains one of the areas where cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation can build strong bridges even in a complicated international environment. Space exploration has shown that real progress is achieved when states choose dialogue, cooperation and exchange of expertise for the benefit of all humanity,' added Abrudean.

He called for support to young people who choose science, technology and research.

'In an international context marked by multiple challenges, we need more than ever to invest in research, innovation and education. We need to support young people who choose science, technology and research, because a society's competitiveness and future resilience depend on its ability to educate people ready to understand and shape the world of tomorrow. Romania has talent, intelligence and valuable human resources, and our responsibility is to create the framework in which this potential can be fully developed and capitalised on. In the field of knowledge and science, your mission never really ends, because each generation sets out for new journeys, new experiments and new destinations. Success depends on the desire, strength and conviction to believe that nothing is impossible, especially when you become a pioneer of the aspirations and ideals of the communities you represent.'

Abrudean went on to reiterate Romania's commitment to the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space.

'Forty-five years after this historic moment, Romania reaffirms its commitment to international cooperation, promoting research and innovation and supporting the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. As chairman of the Romanian Senate, I want to assure you of our full institutional support for research, education and innovation, essential areas for economic development and for the progress of our societies.' AGERPRES (RO - editing by: Livia Popescu; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)