Acting Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu wished France a 'Happy National Day,' underscoring that Romania is linked to the country by a historic friendship, cultural traditions and a contemporary strategic partnership.

'In the current international context, our relationship also has a fundamental security dimension. France is the framework nation of the NATO battle group deployed in Romania and makes a direct contribution to Romania's defence and to the security of the Alliance's Eastern Flank,' Catalin Predoiu said, according to a Interior Ministry (MAI) release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday.

The minister mentioned that the partnership between the two countries also covers the fight against organised crime and cybercrime, cybersecurity and the exchange of best practices in data protection - areas which are essential to states' resilience against hybrid threats.

'France was also a consistent and unequivocal supporter of Romania's full accession to the Schengen Area. This is further proof that the relationship between Romania and France is not limited to declarations, but delivers strategic results for our country. I extend my warmest congratulations to the French people, the French community in Romania and all those who contribute to the friendship between our nations,' Predoiu said.

He also bought to mind the cultural dimension of this relationship, mentioning that more than 1.1 million pupils in Romania study French, 25 high schools are part of the network of bilingual French-language sections and the French Institute has been present in Romania for more than a century.

'The French language and culture therefore continue to be part of Romanians' education and intellectual development. At the same time, French-language educational institutions have been operating in Romania for many years, among them the Ana de Noailles High School, which is one of the leading establishments,' Predoiu mentioned.

According to the quoted source, France is also one of Romania's main economic partners, with a stock of direct investment worth EUR 12.8 billion.

'About 4,150 companies with majority French capital directly provide more than 125,000 jobs. From Dacia-Renault to investments in energy, industry, communications, financial services, infrastructure and trade, the French presence is part of Romania's everyday economic life,' Acting Interior Minister Predoiu highlighted. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Alexandru; EN - writing by: Rodica State)

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