Maia Sandu congratulates the French on National Day: Proud to celebrate our deep friendship

President Maia Sandu sent a congratulatory message to the French people in celebration of their National Day, which is observed annually on July 14. In a post on the X platform, the President highlighted that France is a strategic partner and a loyal friend of the Republic of Moldova. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chișinău extended its greetings to the French people, emphasizing the close ties between the two countries that are rooted in support for democracy, security, and a united Europe.

On July 14, we proudly celebrate the friendship uniting Moldova and France. As a strategic partner and loyal friend, France holds a special place in our hearts.

En ce 14 juillet, nous célébrons avec fierté l’amitié profonde qui unit la Moldavie et la France. Partenaire stratégique et ami fidèle, la France occupe une place particulière dans notre cœur. Bonne fête nationale ! Vive la France ! 🇫🇷🇲🇩
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) July 14, 2025

France celebrated its national day today, commemorating the Fall of the Bastille with a traditional military parade in Paris. Over 5,000 soldiers marched down the Champs-Élysées, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and his Indonesian counterpart, who was the guest of honor at the ceremony.

EN DIRECT | Défilé militaire du 14 juillet 2025. https://t.co/BxUioDktPE
— Élysée (@Elysee) July 14, 2025

In his speech to the military, French President Emmanuel Macron announced an additional €6.5 billion in military spending over the next two years. He stated that freedom in Europe faces a greater threat than at any time since the end of World War II.

“Never since 1945 has freedom been so threatened,” Macron told an audience of military officials on Sunday, emphasizing the “permanent threat that Russia poses to the continent.”

A total of 7,000 men and women participated in the parade, which featured 65 planes (five of which were from foreign nations), 34 helicopters, 247 vehicles, and 200 horses from the Garde Républicaine, as reported by DIGI24.RO. The participants marched in combat gear and armored war vehicles.

France's National Day has been celebrated since 1880 and commemorates two significant events in the country's modern history: the beginning of the French Revolution with the fall of the Bastille and Federation Day.