Stimate Domnule Vice Președinte al Consiliului Județean Constanța, Răzvan Filipescu,
Stimate Domnule Primar al Municipiului Constanta, Vergil Chițac
Stimate Domnule Subsecretar de stat, Dincer Geafer
Stimà cusseglier guvernativ dal Grischun, Jon Domenic Parolini

Ladies and gentlemen
I have been to Romania before, in 2018 and 2022, when I visited Bucharest and Sibiu.

But this is the first time I have visited Constanța, in the Dobruja region.
It is also my first time on the shores of the Black Sea. In ancient Greek mythology, this sea was called the Pontus Axeinus – the 'inhospitable sea'. But after the first settlements made the region more familiar, the name was changed to Pontus Euxinus - the hospitable sea. What a wonderful transformation! Today, the shores of Constanța are brimming with hospitality, and so too are its people. Thank you for your welcome!

It is wonderful to experience this region's history and to witness how different ethnic groups can live together in harmony. Indeed, I was advised to visit so that I could discover some 18 different minorities living together respectfully and learning from one another, as we have heard in the previous speeches.

And it is good to see our Romansh language, Switzerland's smallest language, involved in this positive dynamic.

Plurality is the protagonist of this debate. It is a resource that nurtures dialogue, and is more vital than ever in today's difficult geopolitical context.

Not far from here, a conflict that began more than two years ago is still going on. It involves another country on the shores of the Black Sea and the banks of the Danube delta. Its proximity amplifies the echoes of war. Speaking about construction in this context takes on an altogether more tangible meaning.

When the law of force prevails over the force of law, dialogue becomes even more crucial. Nations characterised by plurality, such as Romania and Switzerland, have a responsibility to strengthen this dialogue and ensure that not only the loudest are heard. Indeed, I discussed this topic yesterday with your prime minister Ciolacu and with ministers Hurezeanu and Tanczos, and I am delighted that we will be able to strengthen cooperation with 11 agreements.

As early as 1848, the Swiss Constitution speaks of a willingness to act together: a willingness that characterises our country. Switzerland's people and its cantons gave themselves this constitution "in the knowledge that only those who use their freedom remain free, and that the strength of a people is measured by the well-being of its weakest members".

This is our responsibility. Initiatives such as the 'Emna da la lingua rumantscha', presented earlier by Councillor of State Jon Domenic Parolini, are an opportunity to share with other countries the daily experience of living among a wide diversity of cultures and opinions. They remind us that we must take care of our identity. Our languages and cultures, even the smallest, are vehicles for our history.

We are not alone in this endeavour. The 34 signatories of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, including Romania and Switzerland, are commited to supporting minorities.

Romania has established a unique body in this regard, the Council for National Minorities, which I was able to learn more about on this visit. I also visited the Village Museum in Bucharest, a concrete example of the richness created by plurality.

During my visit to the museum, I attended an exceptional concert: Mario Pacchioli, Luiza Zan and Albert Tajti wove our languages into music, transcending national borders. Although they had only known each other for a few hours, they were able to accentuate each other's artistry. Their performance carries a clear message: plurality is a source of innovation.

The 'Emna da la lingua rumantscha' allows our diplomatic representations to promote Romansh throughout the world, creating valuable partnerships, including an exhibition in Slovenia, a university course in Finland, and a cooperative artwork by members of the Ladino and Friulian communities in Italy. These partnerships provide unique opportunities to strengthen dialogue and cherish our identities together.

With this in mind, I would like to thank the organisers and speakers of this debate. 'Together in diversity' - a motto I will take with me from this trip to Romania.

Rede « Ensemble dans la diversité » (eng)