On Thursday, the Académie Française hosted a joint session with the Romanian Academy at its headquarters in Paris, commemorating 145 years of diplomatic relations between France and Romania.
Among the attendees were:
- Metropolitan Iosif of the Romanian Orthodox Metropolis of Western and Southern Europe,
- Clara Staicu, Romanian State Secretary for European Affairs,
- Ioana Bivolaru, Romania’s Ambassador to France,
- Ioan-Aurel Pop, President of the Romanian Academy,
- Amin Maalouf, Perpetual Secretary of the Académie Française.
The theme of the session was “Sapere Aude” (“Dare to Know”), a famous motto from the Latin poet Horace.
Discussions on Science, Culture, and Multilingualism
Scholars and academics presented papers on:
- Scientific cooperation between Romania and France (Acad. Marius Andruh, Prof. Maria Dorobanțu, and Acad. Ștefan N. Constantinescu),
- Cultural collaboration between the two nations (Constantin Chiriac),
- Science and democracy (Acad. Mircea Dumitru),
- Multilingualism in Europe and the role of Academies (Prof. Rodica Zafiu).
A Historic Cultural Bond
“A truly historic day in the relationship between Romania and France,” said Ambassador Ioana Bivolaru following the event. “The session highlighted the strong ties between our two countries, built on knowledge, culture, and shared values.”
The Romanian Academy has maintained long-standing ties with the Académie Française. Since its founding in 1866, several members of the Académie Française have also been elected as members of the Romanian Academy, including Alain Decaux and Maurice Druon.
Several anniversary events will take place throughout this year, organized by the Romanian Embassy, the Romanian Cultural Institute, the Consulates General of Romania in France, and partners from both countries, to mark the 145th anniversary of Romanian-French bilateral relations.
Photo: Facebook / Ioana Bivolaru