Speech by Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu at the event formalizing the decision of the U.S. authorities regarding Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, according to a press release from the Romanian Government sent to NINE O’CLOCK.
“Your Excellency, Madam Ambassador Kavalec,
Mr. President of the Senate,
Distinguished Members of Parliament,
Dear Ministers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Romania, Mr Vexler
This is one of the joyful moments of being a Prime Minister. Of course, these moments will be very short-lived—perhaps two or three positive news stories —and then we will return to the normality of being the Prime Minister of Romania. But, with all the emotion, I will enjoy this moment alongside you, as Madam Ambassador also said, a historic one.
Romanians will travel visa-free to the United States of America as of late March. We have all been waiting for this historic moment for over 16 years. Indeed, history seems to be unfolding very quickly for Romania during this period. Just 10 days have passed since we fully joined the Schengen Area, and today we received the official announcement from the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security that our country has been included in the Visa Waiver Program.
These are two essential events that confirm Romania’s recognition on the international stage and in its relationship with strategic partners.
Beyond the fact that Romanians will no longer lose time and money to obtain U.S. visas, today’s decision primarily holds symbolic value. It is a clear sign of the United States’ trust in our country, institutions, and our citizens. But it is also a recognition of the progress we have made in recent years, the reforms we have implemented, and our alignment with Euro-Atlantic standards.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we can proudly speak of Romanian success, the success of our entire society. And I hope that alongside Schengen accession, this will mark a turning point in how we should act to attain success. For far too long, we have been stuck in lamentations.
Constantly blaming others, and endlessly talking about injustices and second-class citizens produce nothing but frustration. This is a superficial approach that has proven over time detrimental to achieving major national goals.
Today, we demonstrate without a doubt that when we have a clear plan, determined people to implement it, and reliable partners, success is inevitable. This is valid for the goals of a Government, and a coalition, and it can apply to a typical working day of any of us, to our workplace, but especially to politics.
Therefore, I want to thank our governmental team that worked over the past year to attain this objective. But behind this success are the efforts of millions of Romanians, both in the country and abroad, who have shown that their dignity must be respected.
I would especially like to thank the Romanian citizens who responded to the calls and renewed their visas, thus decisively contributing to lowering the U.S. visa refusal rate.
Like Madam Ambassador, I can see in the audience our great Gheorghe Hagi, an ambassador of Romania with a mandate earned through his talent and ambition. Thank you so much, Gică, for joining the visa renewal campaign. I imagine that Oscar Cordoba still has nightmares about your memorable goal from the 1994 World Cup in the USA. Back then, a visa was required for attendance; now, only qualification is needed for us to support Ianis and the rest of the Romanian team at next year’s World Cup.
Last but not least, I want to thank you, Madam Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, and through you, the staff of the U.S. Embassy, for the support extended throughout this entire process. The first time we met, you told me that Visa Waiver was a project close to your heart, and you hoped it would come to fruition in the near future. Today, this heartfelt project has become a reality.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This event represents a starting point, not a destination. Romania continues to have big ambitions.
There was Schengen accession, now visa-free travel to the United States. Next is accession to the OECD. Romania thinks BIG, and this is a sign of maturity and seriousness. It is precisely the major projects that brought and continue to bring Romanians together. This is the path to follow, and we will pursue it regardless of the challenges arising along the way.
Because, as was the case with the Visa Waiver, Romanians understand that we are building not just for ourselves but especially for our children’s future.
I congratulate and thank you for this great achievement!”
Photo: gov.ro
Source: Romanian Government
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock does not assume responsibility for the information received and published on the public website. The responsibility for the content lies solely with the issuer of the press release.
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock cannot be held accountable for false information transmitted by the recipients of the press releases/announcements.
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock reserves the right not to publish press releases that contain inappropriate expressions or accusations and violations of the rights of other individuals, guaranteed by the Constitution of Romania.
The content of the website www.nineoclock.ro is intended for public information. Copying, reproduction, recompilation, modification, as well as any form of content exploitation from this website are prohibited. The use of the Comments section signifies your agreement to abide by the terms and conditions regarding the publication of comments on www.nineoclock.ro.
