H.E. Dr. Laureniu-Mihai tefan:

I am pleased to be here and to hear the committee's story. Ireland will be friends forever to Romania and Moldova. We can rely on Ireland to work together for our countries and for Europe, which is what this is all about.

The Senator mentioned some large countries in Europe. Countries like Romania, Ireland and others that may not be as influential can work together, push the agenda and change the course of history. My role is to engage with Ireland and build a partnership, which is why I mentioned in my opening remarks that there would be a dialogue between the directorates-general and that our Secretary of State would be coming to Ireland. I hope that the committee will be available on 18 May to celebrate and see where we are and what we can do for our countries and Europe. More is coming. Ireland is realising that it has partners. Europe is our home. It was mentioned that refugees were coming to Ireland via Moldova and Romania. Europe provided us all with a home. We may be located in one room at one level and others may be located in another, but we cross one another more and more in the kitchen, in the hallways and in the garden. We need to do more for our neighbours and inhabitants.

I appreciate members' visit to our countries.