Israel's Ambassador to Romania, Dr. Lior Ben Dor, took part on Monday, alongside official delegations from Majdanpek (Serbia) and Balti (Republic of Moldova) in the events marking Focsani Municipality Days. The occasion highlighted the historical links between Focsani and the Jewish community, as well as opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation between the municipality and the State of Israel.

Opening the official meeting at Focsani City Hall, Mayor Cristi Valentin Misaila recalled the significance of the 164th anniversary of the administrative union of Moldavian Focsani and Wallachian Focsani, and the role the city played in the history of the Zionist movement.

'Today, July 6, the City of the Union Focsani celebrates 164 years since Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza signed the decree uniting Moldavian Focsani with Wallachian Focsani. It is a symbolic moment reminding us that our strength lies in unity, openness and the ability to build bridges across generations. (...) I could say that two countries were born in Focsani: Romania, through the Union of January 24, 1859, and the first Zionist congress, on December 30 - 31, 1881, when the foundations were laid and the idea was publicly launched of enabling Jews persecuted over the years to return to their homeland and establish the State of Israel,' Misaila said.

The mayor stressed that the local administration aims to deepen cooperation with partners in areas such as the economy, public administration, education and culture.

'I believe that today's meeting goes beyond a simple protocol. It represents the foundation of a shared vision and the ideal moment to build a close, long-term partnership in fields vital to our communities. Administrative best-practice exchange, attracting investment and supporting the business environment must be priorities for local administrations looking to the future. We must facilitate contacts between local business communities, promote reciprocal investment and exchange best practices in public administration. We can develop partnerships between our educational institutions, initiate joint festivals and projects that bring young people and artists from our cities closer together. In this way we promote our traditions and cultural heritage,' Misaila added.

Ambassador Ben Dor praised the relationship between the two countries and said there are numerous areas where cooperation can be expanded.

'I am very happy to visit you. We must work and strengthen our partnership in every possible field. (...) The potential is enormous. As ambassador, I can encourage and promote stronger cooperation between Focsani and Israel. We have huge potential for collaboration in agriculture, the wine industry, tourism, industry in general. That is why we must meet. We can organise a meeting together with the Romania - Israel Chamber of Commerce, we can encourage delegations from here to travel to Israel. I know many Israeli companies with expertise in irrigation systems, in tourism. We can encourage more Israelis to come here and, conversely, people from Focsani can visit Israel, now that our region is calmer and safer,' the Ambassador said.

The meeting also addressed the need to preserve Focsani city's Jewish heritage. Local councillor Romeo Stoica referred to the advanced state of degradation of the city's Jewish cemetery and proposed identifying solutions for its restoration.

'There was once a very large Jewish community in Focsani which, through its skills and knowledge, brought added value to this city. Focsani has a synagogue that was restored and renovated with the help of the Jewish community, but we also have a cemetery on the outskirts of the city that is in an advanced state of decay. Since you spoke about origins, identity and history, I believe it would be appropriate to try to renovate this cemetery, precisely to carry forward the history and identity of the Jewish community in Focsani,' Stoica said.

The visit of the Israeli Ambassador and the delegations from Majdanpek and Balti - cities twinned with Focsani - was part of the events marking Focsani Municipality Days, which this year honor the 164th anniversary of the administrative union, in July 1862, of Moldavian and Wallachian Focsani. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Irinela Visan; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)