French Ambassador to Romania Nicolas Warnery, addressing on Tuesday the reception marking his country's National Day, underscored that there is no better defence today than NATO.

Recalling the Romania - France bilateral ties at military, cultural and economic level, the diplomat said: 'We are living today in a difficult, dangerous period, in which certain states call into question international law, multilateral agreements and peace processes; a period in which heads of state or government resort to force and threats, sometimes even against their closest allies; in which some openly attack the European Union or reject any multilateral action to address global challenges such as climate change.'

According to Warnery, in this context France's first priority is to defend and strengthen the North Atlantic Alliance and to continue, within NATO, the mission it has voluntarily undertaken in Romania.

'There is no better defence today than NATO. The Alliance proved its strength and effectiveness throughout the entire Cold War. Moreover, it proved its solidarity, for the benefit of the United States, in Afghanistan after September 11. Only a few days ago, at the Ankara Summit, we reaffirmed the importance of our collective effort and the increasing contribution that European allies must bring to this effort,' he noted.

The ambassador emphasized that NATO's presence in Romania means, first of all, Romania itself - 'the host nation, which welcomes us on its territory' - but it also means France, a historic ally and framework nation, leading a tactical group alongside troops from Belgium, Spain and Luxembourg.

The French-led Mission Aigle force has been training every day, since early 2022, not to engage in a war, but to defend the Alliance and guarantee peace, the ambassador pointed out, and went on to salute the French troops present at the reception, part of the Aigle 14th rotation.

Warnery also said the second priority of France is to remain in solidarity with Ukraine, where the war continues, sometimes with effects felt as far as Romania.

'In the face of Russian aggression, we must remain, more than ever, united and mobilised alongside Ukraine. Within the Coalition of Willing, France is ready to provide the security guarantees needed to build a global, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Paris just hosted a coalition summit last night; Romania's flag and its guard marched this morning on the Champs-Élysées, alongside other partners, before the official tribune where President Nicusor Dan was present,' the ambassador said.

He also stressed that, in the face of destabilisation attempts, solidarity with the Republic of Moldova is necessary.

'The European Union is every day under attack by those who want to weaken it or bring it to its knees. But is there for us a more attractive political and economic project, a more convincing model leading to a more democratic space, more respectful of human rights, more tolerant and more prosperous? I am convinced there is not. Let us therefore be proud of our Europe, make it grow together, defend it!,' urged Warnery.

'We are the ones who build Europe, every day, and not only in Brussels but also here, in Bucharest,' he said.

According to the ambassador, France firmly supports Romania's rapid integration into the OECD, where 'it fully belongs'.

Warnery also referenced film director Cristian Mungiu's second Palme d'Or, won this year at the Cannes Film Festival, and added: 'This year we also celebrate 50 years since Nadia Comaneci's Olympic achievements, one of Romania's most remarkable representatives. Many of us watched her with emotion on television in 1976,' at which point he invited the great champion on stage. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Oana Ghita; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)