Austria is one of the most important development partners of the Republic of Moldova and we are interested in strengthening the political dialogue and Moldovan-Austrian cooperation in areas of common interest, President Maia Sandu stated in Vienna after a meeting with the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, IPN reports, quoting the presidential press service.
President Sandu noted that the new governmental team in Chisinau committed itself to modernize the Republic of Moldova by clearing the public system of corruption, reforming the justice sector, improving the business environment and creating economic opportunities, while the citizens gave a clear mandate to do these reforms in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. “We now have several years during which we can lay the basis and build a strong state that would be a welcoming home for the citizens. To achieve this objective, we need the support of our partners,” stated Maia Sandu.
The official said that next spring it will be the 30th anniversary of the establishment of relations between the Republic of Moldova and Austria. “The country strategy for Moldova of the Austrian Development Agency for 2021-2027 envisions further assistance for rural development, adjustment to climate change and environmental protection, development of technical professional education. We are also interested in learning from the Austrian experience in energy security and promotion of green energy. The ensuring of energy security is a priory for the Government of Moldova and is essential, primarily now, during the gas crisis that can dramatically affect the Republic of Moldova,” stated Maia Sandu.
She underlined that the current government of Moldova is determined to modernize the country by the European model so that Moldova becomes a destination that holds interest for Austrian companies that intend to extend operations and production on other markets. “I know that after going through the pandemic crisis, many European industries orient themselves to Eastern Europe. I hope that Moldova will be one of these destinations. My message for the Austrian businesspeople is: we expect you to come to the Republic of Moldova! We have a favorable geographical position, free trade with the EU and the Eastern markets and an ambitious plan to modernize infrastructure, while the government stands ready to ensure an appropriate investment and business climate in the country, to protect investment and property and to encourage the private initiative that creates jobs and increases the people’s wellbeing,” said President Sandu.
Maia Sandu is making an official visit to Vienna on October 21-22 at the invitation of her Austrian counterpart.