By Marinel E. Peroy
Romanian Ambassador to the Philippines Răduţa Dana Matache marked Romania’s National Day on Wednesday with a strong appeal for global solidarity, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
“War continues to rage near Romania’s borders as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine shows no signs of stopping,” Ambassador Matache said during a gathering of diplomats, government officials, and the local Romanian community at Fairmont Makati.
Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, she emphasized Romania’s proactive role in mitigating its global impact, particularly through Black Sea solidarity corridors that facilitate the export of Ukrainian grain.
“These efforts ensure that wheat and bread remain accessible worldwide,” Ambassador Matache said, calling for sustained international cooperation to address food insecurity and support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The Romanian envoy underscored the interconnectedness of global security and drew parallels between the Black Sea and Indo-Pacific regions.
“We hope most sincerely that our part of the world, the Black Sea area, and your part of the world, the Indo-Pacific, remain regions of stability and cooperation,” she said, reaffirming Romania’s commitment to a rules-based international order, including support for the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory in the South China Sea.
Romania’s alignment with international norms was further underscored through high-level diplomatic engagements, including foreign ministers’ meetings in Brussels and New York.
“Romania joined the ministerial meeting on cooperation in the West Philippine Sea. We reiterated our strong and unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order, respect for international law, UNCLOS in particular, and the 2016 decision of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration,” Ambassador Matache said.
Growing bilateral ties
The event also celebrated deepening ties between Romania and the Philippines, with notable milestones such as the reopening of the Philippine Embassy in Romania after 12 years and growing cultural exchanges.
In her remarks, Ambassador Matache praised Filipinos’ “contagious good heart and sunny outlook,” highlighting the shared values between the two nations. The evening also featured cultural performances, including renditions by Filipino and Romanian artists and the Sisters of Mary School chorale.
Philippine DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro expressed gratitude for Romania’s hospitality toward approximately 5,000 Filipinos residing there, describing them as a vital bridge between the two nations.
Romania’s National Day, celebrated annually on December 1, commemorates the unification of Romanian territories in 1918. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, this year’s celebration served as a poignant reminder of resilience and the need for unified action in preserving global peace and stability.
“We pray for a sustainable and just peace in our region,” Matache said, urging nations, including the Philippines, to rally behind Ukraine and uphold international norms in the face of ongoing threats.
