Tariceanu, presented with France's Knight of the Legion of Honour decoration

On Thursday at the French Embassy in Bucharest, Chairman of Romania's Senate Calin Popescu-Tariceanu was presented France's Knight of the Legion of Honour decoration, at a ceremony also attended by Princess Margareta, Prince Radu, former presidents Ion Iliescu and Emil Constantinescu, along with political figures and more.

Photo credit: (c) SORIN LUPSA / AGERPRES STREAM

In his speech, Tariceanu said he is honoured to be awarded the decoration, adding that France is a country to which Romanians feel connected through many historical ties.

Tariceanu also mentioned the common history of Romania and France, saying that history connects Romanians and French more than the strategic partnership between them.

"France has always been a bit sentimental when it comes to Romanians. That is something that makes us emotional and I believe it underpins the special relationship between the two peoples and countries. Such a historical partnership, such a highly special relationship fully deserves being furthered into the decades to come," said Tariceanu.

Pointing to the political ties in time between Romania and France, Tariceanu mentioned former French President Jacques Chirac.

"Through his political actions, he showed he was a big friend of the Romanian people and an essential support for Romania's cause in Europe, for its reinsertion with the Euro-Atlantic organisations," said Tariceanu.

The Senate chairman also mentioned the cultural ties between Romania and France, highlighting what he calls a Francophile attitude that is specific of Romanians.

"The rebirth of the Francophone spirit after 1989 and even of a certain Francophile attitude specific of Romanians were nothing but meeting again the values that are an integral...