President Dan in Chisinau: Republic of Moldova sets an example for the entire world by the way it defends democracy

  The Republic of Moldova sets an example for Europe and the entire world by the way it defends democracy, Romanian President Nicusor Dan declared on Sunday in Chisinau, as he visited the neighboring country on the special celebration of Romanian Language Day, which saw him participate in the opening of the Grand National Dictation event alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu.President Dan showed that, through their efforts for the defence of democracy, "the Moldovan people are more European than the Europeans"."I am particularly honored to be here with you. Thank you, Madam President, for the invitation. You know that starting 2011, Romanian Language Day is officially celebrated in Romania too. (...) I confess that I am deeply moved because, as Madam President said, I have always considered the Romanian language a given. I was born, I spoke and attended school in Romanian and you, in my opinion, have set an example for the whole world through the fight you put up over time, despite all the pressures, to preserve this language and this identity. And now again, I consider you to be an example for Europe and for the entire world by the way you strive to defend democracy in the face of the same types of pressures coming from the same side, and through this you prove that you are more European than Europeans and that you belong in the European Union," Nicusor Dan underscored.He added that beyond being an identity, the Romanian language is a responsibility for each of us."Romania and the Republic of Moldova are countries that share the same values, that need each other, and it is our responsibility to help each other so that these two countries have a bright future in the world we are all building together. On behalf of Romania and of my own, I convey all the friendship and openness to building these ties," the Romanian president said.   He added that Romania will provide assistance to the Republic of Moldova mainly in the area of cybersecurity but will not interfere in the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28. President Nicusor Dan emphasized that Romania, as a democratic state, will not involve itself in the electoral campaign or seek to influence the Moldovan voters' choices."Romania is a democratic state and will not interfere in these elections. On the one hand, with regard to voting intentions and the election campaign, Romania will do absolutely nothing, because it is a democratic state. On the other hand, regarding Russian interference, yes, Romania together with Western partners will provide assistance to the Republic of Moldova, especially on cybersecurity, where we see attacks occurring for months or even years," President Nicusor Dan explained.    The Romanian language remains the strongest bridge between the two banks of the Prut River, President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu declared in Chisinau on Romanian Language Day, which is traditionally observed on August 31.On the occasion of the third edition of the Grand National Dictation, an event honoring Romanian language identity that also saw the participation of President Nicusor Dan, the Moldovan head of state said that "the Romanian language should not be celebrated just one day a year, but should be honored and respected on each and every day"."Thank you for attending the third edition of the Grand National Dictation - an event that has become an increasingly appreciated tradition. The fact that the number of participants is growing from one year to the next is proof that the Romanian language brings us together, unites and inspires us. Mr. President, your presence here, in Chisinau, is a sign of friendship and solidarity, but above all it is proof that the Romanian language remains the strongest bridge between the two banks of the Prut. It carries our history, preserves our culture and connects us to our values and traditions. Yet the Romanian language should not be celebrated just on one day a year, but should be honored and respected on each and every day - when we choose to speak correctly, to write carefully, to lovingly use its expressions and the richness of its vocabulary. In this way, we keep it alive and pass it down to the future generations. The Romanian language is our connection to the past - with the writers, singers and teachers who fought for it - but also with the future, with the children who will use it to build the science, culture and art of tomorrow. The word is a tremendous power. It's not a given. There were times when, just for mentioning the Romanian language, you risked being mocked or persecuted. Today we can speak freely - and we must defend and cherish this fundamental right for ourselves and for the future generations," said Sandu.The Moldovan president went on to remark that Romanian is an official language of the European Union and "the compass of Romanian identity.""Moreover, Romanian is not just an official language of the European Union, but is spread throughout the continent and beyond. It is no longer unusual to hear it on the streets of Rome, Paris or London, in the markets of Berlin and Madrid, but also across the Ocean - in the United States, Canada or even in distant Australia. It is a reason for joy and pride alike. Wherever we go, the Romanian language remains the compass of our identity and the living connection with our roots. I am also glad that in recent years, increasingly better conditions have been created for citizens belonging to the Republic of Moldova's ethnic minorities to be able to learn Romanian. It is an important step, because the Romanian language can bring us closer to each other, regardless of the community we hail from. It has the power to unite us and help us build together a more cohesive and stronger society," added Maia Sandu.The third edition of the Grand National Dictation was attended by over 2,000 people who wrote a literary text by dictation. The event, held in Chisinau's Great National Assembly Square, is organized by the Republic of Moldova's Ministry of Education under the patronage of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova. (Photo:https://www.presidency.ro/)