And not all the ‘statesmen’ are men, of course – Dr Joachim Sauer often accompanies his wife, better known as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on foreign trips, although he prefers to stay out of the media spotlight.

But the partners of NATO's leaders were to be treated to a two-day extravaganza of fashions shows, concert performances and gallery visits away from the hectic bustle of the Palace of the Parliament conference venue.

The 60 or so 'first ladies', including Laura Bush (wife of US President George W Bush) and Sarah Brown (wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown), were to see a gymnastics demonstration, hosted by former Romanian Olympic gold-winner Nadia Comaneci.

They also planned to meet rising-star Romanian film-maker Cristian Mungui, winner of the 2007 Palme D'Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his abortion drama Four Months, Three Weeks and Two Days.

Also on the agenda was a classical music performance, a pantomime at the National Theatre and a visit to the National Museum of Art in Bucharest, with its rich collection of European and Oriental works.

For a bit of fresh air, a walk in the Museum of the Village was scheduled, for a glimpse into the lives of 18th century farmers and peasants.