Over 300 leaders and representatives of the Government, Parliament, and diplomatic corps gathered in Nicosia for an extraordinary exercise in cultural diplomacy featuring Flori de ie. The event, which brought together political figures, business elites, and the Romanian community in Cyprus, became a powerful platform for celebrating international friendship, heritage, and economic cooperation. This gala stands as one of the most significant diplomatic achievements held outside Romania’s borders this year, proving that traditional heritage can serve as an elegant, universal language.
Organized by the Embassy of Romania in the Republic of Cyprus, in partnership with Flori de Ie, the National Confederation for Women’s Entrepreneurship (CONAF), the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cypriot artist Michalis Pantelidis, the event „Threads of Friendship – Interweaving Friendship” transformed the celebration of Universal Ie Day into a platform for institutional, economic and cultural dialogue between Romania and Cyprus, demonstrating that cultural heritage can become an instrument of international cooperation, and female entrepreneurship a vector for strengthening relations between states.
At a time when modern diplomacy is looking for new ways to bring communities, economies and cultures closer together, Romania has chosen to promote one of its most valuable identity resources – the Romanian ia, included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – in a context that brought together public administration, business, diplomacy and civil society in a dialogue about cooperation, leadership and common European values.
In her intervention, Cristina Chiriac, founder of Flori de Ie and president of CONAF, spoke about cultural heritage as a tool of diplomacy and about the power of symbols to bring nations closer together: „Peace is also built through culture. Trust is sometimes born in spaces where people discover that they have different roots but common values, that they can anchor themselves in the past not to stay there, but to build, together, a more dignified future, closer to the great European family of which we are a part.
In Nicosia, through the „Embroidered Dialogues”, Romania and Cyprus met in a profound language, beyond official discourses: the language of symbols, memory and respect. A language that women have kept alive throughout generations, transforming tradition into identity, care into strength, and the community into a space of solidarity and continuity.
It was, above all, a celebration of the role of women in society. Of the woman who educates, builds, preserves the memory of a community and, at the same time, has the courage to shape its future. Of the woman who creates connections between generations, between cultures and between people, carrying forward the heritage of a nation and the values that hold societies together in increasingly complex times.
In every sewn motif, in every shared story and in every dialogue held, the same conviction was found: that sustainable development, social cohesion and trust are built through the involvement of women, through their discreet but profound leadership, through their ability to transform fragility into resilience and differences into opportunities for collaboration.
It was a moment of encounter between living heritage, identity and the future, between women who carry forward stories, communities and meaning, but especially between two countries that understood that authentic closeness between people can open paths where official words do not always reach.
I gratefully thank Lavinia Ochea, Romania’s Chargé d’Affaires in the Republic of Cyprus, for her openness, involvement and understanding that such projects are about much more than culture: they are about trust, belonging, opportunities and the place that women occupy in building stronger societies.
I thank Ana Maria Geană, State Counselor for Diaspora to the President of Romania, for her valuable contribution and for the energy, professionalism and dedication with which she supported this endeavor.
And the collaboration with Michalis brought an authentic dimension of dialogue and closeness to this project, demonstrating that partnerships built with respect and openness can transform cultural differences into a source of connection and friendship.”
Lavinia Ochea, the Romanian Chargé d’Affaires in the Republic of Cyprus, stated that „tonight we celebrate more than fashion, we celebrate identity, creativity and friendship built through tradition, art and entrepreneurship. By presenting the exquisite Flori de Ie collection signed by Cristina Chiriac and by officially launching the Romanian-Cypriot Friendship Scarf, we reaffirm the belief that cultural heritage and art can create lasting bridges between peoples and strengthen relations between Romania and Cyprus. For me, this event also has a special personal significance, being the result of over a decade of collaboration with Cristina Chiriac, a remarkable entrepreneur, a trusted friend and a mentor in the field of economic diplomacy, to whom I am deeply grateful for her constant support and for her belief that business and culture can go hand in hand. At the same time, I am fulfilling a dream that I have had since my arrival in Cyprus, that of organizing a presentation dedicated to Romanian heritage and bringing to the public’s attention the extraordinary story of the Romanian ia, inscribed on the UNESCO heritage, a symbol of our history and identity. I also extend my sincere thanks to the Cypriot artist Michalis Pantelidis, who sensitively and creatively transposed the idea of the Romanian-Cypriot Friendship Scarf into an authentic symbol of the ties between the two countries, demonstrating once again the power of cultural dialogue. This project was made possible thanks to the support, trust and friendship of the many partners and collaborators who contributed to transforming a vision into a reality and who continue to strengthen relations between Romania and Cyprus.”
The event was held with the support of the Presidential Administration of Romania, confirming the importance given to cultural diplomacy and the role that heritage, diaspora and female entrepreneurship can have in strengthening Romania’s image in the European space. The participation of the State Counselor for Diaspora of the President of Romania highlighted the constant interest of the presidential institution in projects that contribute to strengthening the ties between Romanian communities abroad and the country of origin, as well as in initiatives that promote Romanian values and cultural heritage internationally.
Ana Maria Geană, State Counselor for Diaspora of the President of Romania, highlighted the role of cultural heritage and women entrepreneurs in strengthening relations between states and communities: “It is a great honor and a real joy to be in Nicosia today for this celebration of Romanian heritage, female entrepreneurship and the lasting friendship between Romania and Cyprus.
Today we celebrate Romanian ia – a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, craftsmanship and continuity. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it reflects the values, traditions and creativity transmitted from generation to generation.
Today’s event also highlights the essential role of women entrepreneurs. In Romania and in the Romanian diaspora, women actively contribute to economic development, innovation and the strengthening of communities. Their achievements create opportunities, inspire new generations and strengthen the societies in which we live.
The partnership between the Romanian and Cypriot entrepreneurs present here demonstrates that economic development can be enriched through cultural exchange and shared values. It also reflects the excellent relations between Romania and Cyprus, built on friendship, mutual respect and common European values.”
A highlight of the evening was the official launch of the Romanian-Cypriot scarf “Dialoguri Brodate”, an artistic creation by Flori de Ie and Cypriot artist Michalis Pantelidis. Made from traditional Romanian motifs from the Flori de Ie collection and from the Cypriot textile heritage, the “Dialoguri Brodate” scarf represents an artistic collaboration and the symbolic expression of a relationship built over time between two European Union member states. Through textile heritage, the project demonstrates that cultural identity can become a common language capable of bringing communities closer, inspiring collaborations and generating new opportunities for dialogue and economic cooperation.
In the message sent to the participants by the representative of the Cypriot Government, Marina Hadjimanolis, Minister of Maritime Transport of the Republic of Cyprus, underlined the symbolic and strategic value of the relationship between the two states:
“The ties between our countries have been patiently woven, over many years, through friendship, mutual respect and shared European values. In many ways, the spirit of maritime cooperation reflects the spirit of this event: building bridges, encouraging mutual understanding and strengthening relations across borders.
“Embroidered Dialogues” symbolize the ability of culture to transcend borders and create lasting connections between people.”
In turn, Philokypros Roussounides, Secretary General of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the role of women in the economy and the potential for collaboration between the two business communities:
“Women are increasingly shaping the future of business through innovation, leadership, resilience and creativity. Their role is essential not only for economic growth, but also for building more inclusive, dynamic and sustainable societies.
Today’s event remarkably combines culture, entrepreneurship and friendship, highlighting the strong and ever-growing relations between Cyprus and Romania.
At the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we strongly believe that diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities are social values and economic imperatives. Supporting women in business means greater competitiveness, innovation and prosperity for all.”
The Flori de Ie collection brought to the podium authentic pieces from the Romanian textile heritage, part of a private archive built, restored over the years and documented by Cristina Chiriac, the founder of Flori de Ie and President of CONAF. Traditional Romanian costumes, some over 150 years old, were worn by entrepreneurs, executives and female leaders from Romania and Cyprus, in a moment that transformed the fashion show into a visual statement about identity, memory, femininity and continuity. Each piece presented became, beyond its aesthetic value, a silent ambassador of Romania and proof that authentic heritage can be worn, understood and respected beyond borders. From New York and Paris to Dubai, Ankara or Copenhagen, the Flori de Ie collection continues to transform Romanian textile heritage into an instrument of cultural diplomacy and a contemporary form of representation of national identity.
The artistic director of the event, Cătălin Orezeanu, created a concept that highlighted the beauty of the costumes and their symbolic power, transforming the Flori de Ie collection into a stage experience about memory, roots, belonging and intercultural dialogue. Through rhythm, light and visual composition, the Romanian textile heritage was presented as a living expression of European cultural identity.
The event also reaffirmed the role of CONAF in promoting Romanian female entrepreneurship internationally and in strengthening economic relations between business communities in Europe. Through the presence of female entrepreneurs and business leaders from the two countries, “Threads of Friendship” demonstrated that economic development is supported by agreements, public policies, and relationships of trust built between people, communities and organizations.
Through the scale of institutional participation and the level of economic and diplomatic representation, the event exceeded the status of a cultural event and transformed into an authentic platform for public and economic diplomacy. Romania managed to bring together in the same space the Presidential Administration of Romania, representatives of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the diplomatic corps, the business community and the Romanian diaspora, in a remarkable example of cooperation between institutions, communities and organizations from two European Union member states.
More than a celebration of World Women’s Day, “Threads of Friendship” became a concrete demonstration of how culture can generate dialogue, trust and economic opportunities. Romania and Cyprus showed that traditions do not belong to the past, but can become strategic resources for the future, and women entrepreneurs can be true promoters of international cooperation.
In a Europe in search of new models of cohesion and competitiveness, the event in Nicosia offered a lesson in the power of relationships built around identity, culture and shared values. It demonstrated that modern diplomacy is not built exclusively in negotiation rooms or through official documents, but also in spaces where people discover what unites them.
“Threads of Friendship” showed that cultural heritage can become a tool for dialogue between states, that female entrepreneurship can create sustainable economic bridges, and that communities can transform traditions into opportunities for the future. On an evening when Romania and Cyprus spoke the same language – that of respect, cooperation and friendship – Nicosia became, for one evening, the capital of a friendship built through culture, consolidated through entrepreneurship and projected with confidence towards the future.
About Flori de Ie:
Flori de Ie is more than a Romanian brand: it is a movement to recover, preserve and celebrate one of Romania’s most precious forms of cultural identity — the ia. Founded by Cristina Chiriac, the brand brings together an impressive collection of authentic ias, unique pieces and contemporary creations inspired by the Romanian textile heritage, some over 150 years old, restored and certified by ethnographic experts.
From New York, Dubai, Barcelona, Ankara and Copenhagen, to Havana, Las Vegas and Paris Fashion Week, Flori de Ie has taken the Romanian shirt to the great metropolises of the world, transforming each parade into an act of cultural diplomacy and each ia into a silent ambassador of Romania.
Flori de Ie is a bridge between past and present, between craftsmanship and contemporary elegance, between roots and the woman who chooses to wear Romania with dignity, refinement and emotion.
