The president of Romania, Mr. Traian Băsescu, visited the Seventh-day Adventist Romanian Church in Madrid, Spain. The head of state was accompanied by Mr. Lazăr Comănescu, the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Maria Ligor, the Romanian Ambassador in Spain, various secretaries of state, deputies and members of the European Parliament.

President Băsescu visited the Eben-Ezer church, one of fourteen Romanian Adventist churches in the region of Madrid. More than 2,000 members attended the special Saturday evening meeting, October 4, and warmly welcomed the president. The songs and message presented the church’s beliefs and role in society. The president and the official guests were impressed by the atmosphere, singing and message.

The Romanian president came to Spain to attend the conference "Forum Europa 2008" in Alcala de Henares near Madrid, organised by the Federation of Romanians in Europe (FADERE). The main objective of the forum was to improve the image of the expatriate Romanian community and seek solutions to their problems of life in diaspora.

During his stay in Spain, President Băsescu visited several Romanian speaking religious communities including Seventh-day Adventist, Orthodox, and Pentecostal. The president wished to visit the newly built Romanian Adventist church in Madrid, church constructed without financial contribution from the state. He was also interested in seeing the church's elementary school. More than 50 percent of its students are children of Romanian immigrants.

The presidential visit of the Adventist church was covered by the most important TV stations in Romania and the national newspapers.

In his greeting address, President Băsescu showed appreciation for the work and positive role of the Adventist church in society. He also mentioned that this is not his first visit to an Adventist church and declared that in the church, he has a friend. He commended the church for the values it promotes and emphasized the important role the church has as a place for people to meet together. President Băsescu declared: “While the Romanian Adventist community in Madrid is loyal to its current country, its soul remains linked to the fatherland and those who are at home in Romania. I congratulate you for your courage. I respect you for your bravery, and I assure you of my appreciation and love."