The Mayor of Iasi, Mihai Chirica, stated to AGERPRES on Wednesday that Romanians in the diaspora frequently return home to invest and bring about positive change, demonstrating that their bond with the country remains deep and active.

The mayor's statements were made during the 'Romanian Diaspora - Roots and Horizons' conference.

Chirica stated to AGERPRES that the maxim 'one's homeland is where one fares well' perhaps best expresses the choice made by millions of compatriots who have built a life for themselves abroad.

'This choice does not signify a lack of patriotism; rather, it is a signal to the political class that Romania must strive harder to provide a truly European standard of living for all Romanians. Far from forgetting their roots, Romanians in the diaspora frequently return home to invest and bring about positive change, demonstrating that their bond with the country remains deep and active,' said Chirica.

According to him, 'the fact that so many Romanians live in developed societies represents a huge gain.'

'They learn firsthand how an administration works for the benefit of the citizen and how an engaged community develops, becoming true ambassadors for the reforms needed in the country. The best way not to forget one's roots is to maintain a living connection with one's national identity: speaking Romanian within the family, promoting traditions, supporting local communities, and getting directly involved in projects that link the diaspora to their native places,' the mayor added.

At the same time, he emphasized that, currently, 'collaboration between the home country and those living abroad translates into concrete actions: academic mentorship programs linking the diaspora with Romanian universities, investments in local start-ups, and civic or environmental initiatives.'

'The experience, work ethic, and enthusiasm of Romanians abroad are the catalyst for the change that Iasi and the entire country need. The Diaspora Office remains an open partner to all compatriots who wish to contribute to the modernization of Romania, wherever they may be,' added Mihai Chirica.

In his speech at the conference, he stated that Romanians in the diaspora should not be viewed as people who have distanced themselves from the country.

'We fully appreciate the vital importance of the diaspora to the Romanian state. This event is not intended to be a showcase of flowery speeches or grand rhetoric about our people—whom I am convinced you cherish just as they are—or about the culture and traditions we strive to preserve and pass on. We wish to emphasize that Romanians living beyond our borders are Romanians too, and that the Romania within the country's borders remains our homeland. As time goes by, we observe a positive shift in the balance between the role of Romanians abroad and that of politicians within the country—a shift that favors the diaspora,' stated Chirica.

He reiterated that, over time, Romanians have proven to be true ambassadors of the country.

'Over the decades—perhaps even longer—you have consistently reaffirmed that you are Romania's true ambassadors, through what you have achieved there and continue to do, and through the way you have impressed and continue to impress the citizens and peoples who host you or will host you,' Chirica added.

Approximately 200 people—including representatives of Romanian communities abroad, academics and researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of public administration, civil society, and Romanian diaspora organizations—are participating both in person and online in the hybrid event organized by Iasi City Hall in the 'Vasile Pogor' Hall.

According to the schedule, debates and workshops are being held over the course of two days, focusing on entrepreneurship, communication, education, traditional culture, and the role of the media in the relationship between Romania and Romanian communities abroad.

On Wednesday, the first day of the conference, sessions are being organized on connecting the diaspora with Romania through entrepreneurship, technology, and investment, as well as on communication between Romanians at home and those living abroad.

On the second day, topics regarding educational strategies and traditional culture in the diaspora will be addressed.

The program will also include contributions from representatives of Romanian associations abroad.

Several cultural events will also take place as part of the activities dedicated to the diaspora. Among them is a folklore performance by the 'Carpatica' Folklore Ensemble from Turin, held during the fifth edition of 'Diaspora Day in Iasi.'

Also scheduled are art exhibitions featuring works by Dragos Patrascu, Oana Poleacec, and Andrei Pennazio, an exhibition of objects crafted by Romanian artisans, as well as the launch of a Romanian book or magazine from the Diaspora. Andrei Pennazio's exhibition will be hosted at the Roznovanu Palace. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniela Malache;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)