Nicușor Dan, after meeting with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “We know from our own painful experience in the recent past what it means to have your freedom denied”

President Nicușor Dan reaffirmed Romania’s solidarity with the people of Belarus in the face of repression, following his meeting with Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, held on Wednesday, November 4, at Cotroceni Palace. The head of state’s message was delivered on Thursday, November 5.

Nicușor Dan stated that his discussion with Tikhanovskaya was “very good” and emphasized that Romania will continue to support, alongside its European and transatlantic partners, the struggle for a democratic Belarus. The president invoked Romania’s recent experience and pointed out that standing up for freedom requires courage and determination from those who oppose repression.

“The Belarusian people’s strength of character deserves our respect and support,” Nicușor Dan said. He specified that the people of Belarus must be able to freely decide their future.

Also on Wednesday, Elbridge Colby, United States Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, was received at Cotroceni. During the meeting, Nicușor Dan spoke about the hybrid threats facing Romania and the instability in the Black Sea region. The head of state also argued that a stronger American economic and military presence in Romania is of strategic importance.