Settled on what is today the Republic of Moldova for over half a millennium, the Roma are an indissoluble part of our multicultural and multiethnic society, declared President Maia Sandu in a congratulatory message marking the International Roma Day.

“In these complicated times in which we live, unity, generosity and care for each other are essential”, declared the president.

Maia Sandu noted that the Roma gave the Republic of Moldova many notable figures, and the effervescence of their talents shone on many stages of the world. “Respect for traditions, ardent passion and the eternal need for freedom characterize the Romanian genetic code and are valuable traits if they are put in the right frame and capitalized at their fair value”.

"We are happy to see that the number of Roma children attending kindergartens and schools has increased, that the number of Roma students in our universities has increased, that we have local councilors, agency directors and representatives of Roma ethnicity. This is the fruit of the effort that each of these people made, confidently overcoming prejudices and barriers”, stated Maia Sandu.

“I wish you to stay united, respect each other and fight together for a better life here at home! I wish you good health, happiness and fulfillment to all Roma, big and small, in any corner of the country!”, concluded Maia Sandu.

The International Roma Day is celebrated annually on April 8 by the international community as a sign of recognition of the culture, history and rights of millions of Roma around the world, but also to draw attention to the challenges of discrimination faced by Roma communities in Europe and everywhere.