ULIM – Free International University of Moldova had the honor of hosting a special event as part of the Francophonie Days Program. On March 25th, the launching of the photo album titled “PRUT AND NISTRU, RIVERS THAT CONNECT BANKS. FROM ONE MOLDAVIAN RIVER TO ANOTHER,” created by French artist Véronique Popinet, took place. The event was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Graham PAUL, and numerous distinguished guests.
The photographic album, published by “Cartier” Publishing House in 2024, represents a captivating exploration of the connections between the Prut and Nistru rivers and the surrounding communities. The texts in the album are authored by Christian Daudel, Honorary Consul of the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region (France), translated into Romanian by Ion Guțu, with a preface by Elena Prus. This work is a harmonious blend of remarkable images and evocative texts, illustrating the beauty and diversity of the natural and cultural landscapes in the Prut-Nistru region.
The French Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, H.E. Graham PAUL, had a prior meeting with the ULIM management, where collaboration in the academic and cultural fields between France and the Republic of Moldova was discussed. During the launching event, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of promoting cultural diversity and collaboration between higher education institutions in the two countries.
The event was moderated by Prof. Elena Prus, PhD, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research and Doctoral Studies at ULIM, and the list of prominent figures from the academic and cultural sphere who spoke about the launched volume included: H.E. Graham PAUL, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Moldova; Ivan Țurcanu, Head of the Analytical and Informational Section, Bureau of Reintegration Policies within the Government of the Republic of Moldova; Maria Neagu, Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy in Moldova; and Gheorghe Erizanu, Director of Cartier Publishing House.
Analyses and comments were presented by Assoc. Prof. Victor Untilă, PhD, Director of the ICFI, ULIM, and Assoc. Prof. Carolina Dodu-Savca, representative of “Dunărea de Jos” University, Galați, Romania. The event was co-organized in partnership with the French Embassy in the Republic of Moldova and “Cartier” Publishing House, representing a special moment for meeting and dialogue among important personalities from various fields, with a common interest in promoting culture and international cooperation.
This launch of Véronique Popinet’s photographic album represents an important step in strengthening cultural and academic ties between France and the Republic of Moldova and marks a valuable contribution to the celebration of Francophonie Days.
