Romania is near the Republic of Moldova. At the start of 2016, when the Republic of Moldova witnessed the blocking of foreign financing owing to the economic crisis through which it went, and until it reached an agreement with the IMF to be able to unblock the other funds, Romania was the only country that lent a hand to it, with a loan of €60 million, on no conditions at that moment and, later, two more tranches of the loan that came to €150 million, Prime Minister Pavel Filip stated in an interview for Libertatea.ro, IPN reports.
In the interview, Pavel Filip said the entry by Banca Transilvania into the Moldovan market is also a response to the measures taken by the government to remedy the situation in the banking system as a result of the banking fraud. He noted he had a discussion with those from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Bank’s president visited recently Chisinau, where he announced their intention to purchase a shareholding in Moldova Agroindbank. “This means that the economy in the Republic of Moldova moved on and the efforts made by the Government during the past two years weren’t in vain. The signing of the contract to privatize Vestmoldtransgaz is also important as it represents the accomplishment of another ambition – to ensure the country’s energy security,” stated Pavel Filip.
Asked if the Republic of Moldova depends on assistance from outside, Pavel Filip said the assistance is welcome, but the Government does not count only on foreign assistance and loans. “We achieved results, even if we faced a serious crisis. We ensured an economic growth of 4% in 2016 and of 5% in 2017. The results we see this year are positive and make us be optimistic that we will soon be less dependent on assistance from outside. But Moldova will surely continue to bank on loans, as each country does,” stated the Premier.
As to Moldova’s relationship with Russia, Pavel Filip said this remains under strain. Speaking about the expulsion of the three Russian diplomats, the Premier said it is for the first time that the Republic of Moldova showed a lot of dignity and that feeling of fear towards Moscow was overcome. “We want a good relationship with the Russian Federation and always said this, but we want this relationship to be based on mutual respect. I understand that Russia is a big country and the Republic of Moldova is much smaller, but we are an independent and sovereign state. We want to have the same respect as the one shown by Romania and other EU member states,” stated the Premier.
According to him, the Republic of Moldova is a neutral country, but the Russian Federation, which speaks most about the respect for Moldova’s neutrality, is the one that keeps its troops on the country’s territory. “This is the only country that violates the neutrality of the Republic of Moldova. We will be absolutely consistent and will continue to demand that the foreign troops should be withdrawn from Moldova’s territory” noted Pavel Filip.
In conclusion, the Premier said his key objective is to make sure that the European course becomes irreversible in the Republic of Moldova. “I assure you that this thing will happen,” he stated.
