The bilateral relators between Romania and the Republic of Moldova are more solid and more efficient than ever. The crises and urgent needs caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine only strengthened further the relationship between Bucharest and Chisinau, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu stated in a news conference in Chisinau, IPN reports.

“This is my first visit outside Romania’s borders since I took up my duties several days ago. This is not at all accidental. It is confirmation of the tradition and of the special, particularly close and profound relationship established between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. I’m here also to prepare the visit by the Prime Minister of Romania who will come here soon accompanied by the President of the Senate of Romania,” stated Luminița Odobescu.

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, welcomed the fact that his Romanian counterpart chose to visit Moldova first after her appointment. He thanked Romania for the assistance provided in organizing the EPC Summit, especially as regards security and interaction with the press. “The success of this summit, which was indeed a unique occasion for the Republic of Moldova to show to practically the whole family of European states how European it is, is the result of the efforts we made together with those who supported us, primarily Romania,” said the Moldovan official.

He noted that regardless of the geopolitical or political beliefs or the spoken language, absolutely all the citizens of the Republic of Moldova benefit from the concrete support of Romania, including over 1,100 repaired kindergartens, hundreds of school minibuses, assistance in the form of diesel fuel for farmers, humanitarian assistance during the refugee crisis, assistance in purchasing and storing natural gas.

Moldova also enjoys Romanian’s support in the process of joining the EU. “We discussed in detail the fulfillment by the Republic of Moldova of the nine recommendations put forward by the European Commission. Things advance rather well, including with Romania’s support. We bank on the fact that the Republic of Moldova towards the end of this year will obtain the recommendation regarding the opening of accession negotiations with the EU. We discussed the joint projects that unite us, such as bridges, interconnection in the energy sector and other projects that will help us to keep the Republic of Moldova on the path of European integration,” stated Nicu Popescu.

Luminița Odobescu noted that Romania has actively and constantly became involved at European and international levels for the benefit of Chisinau. For the purpose, the Moldova Support Platform was created last April together with Germany and France and the fourth meeting of the kind is to be held in Chisinau in autumn. “Mister President, the Government, Mister Prime Minister, all the Romanian authorities actively and vocally support the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union. It is an important moment. We work together to achieve this goal. I think Romania proved it clearly in the dialogue with the European partners that it is an advocate of the Republic of Moldova on this European path and this path we will cover together,” stated the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs.