I wish to welcome a very special guest, His Excellency Valeriu tefan Zgonea, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania, and his parliamentary delegation. I have signed a memorandum of understanding formalising the support between our Parliaments ahead of Romania's term as President of the Council of the European Union in 2019. I express the hope that our guest will find his visit enjoyable, successful and to our mutual benefit. I wish Romania every success with its Presidency of the Council.
I also thank Deputy Finian McGrath for obliging me by making it possible to formally and warmly welcome His Excellency.