“In these very hard times, with more complex security challenges and risks to the Republic of Moldova and the region, we need to act together and will do it so as to be closer and more united,” the President of Romania Klaus Iohannis sated in a news conference held together with President Maia Sandu at the Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest. He noted that Romania and the Republic of Moldova have common language, culture and history and a common future and this community spirit should be increasingly stronger and cohesive, IPN reports.
Klaus Iohannis noted that it is a period of crises of historic proportions in a security environment that has worsened dramatically the past 12 months. A year ago, Russia was preparing to invade Ukraine and to start the illegal and bloody war marked by atrocities that haven’t been seen on the European continent for a long period of time, against the people of Ukraine. “It was an extremely difficult year for the Republic of Moldova, which has been profoundly and directly affected by the consequences of this war. The leaders of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens coped with challenges that others would have considered insurmountable,” said the Romanian official.
The Republic of Moldova faced a profound energy crisis, soaring inflation and a very large number of refugees, massive economic imbalance caused by the war on the border and especially aggressive hybrid warfare. These and other similar challenges were managed with exemplary calmness, professionalism and courage by the pro-European authorities in Chisinau. “I reiterate the firm condemnation by Romania of any Russian attempt to destabilize. Romania remains considerably vigilant to Russia’s hybrid actions that have been intensified on the occasion of a year of war. We will not give up. I assure you that the Republic of Moldova is not alone in front of these challenges. This is our permanent, clear and firm position,” stated Klaus Iohannis.
For her part, President Maia Sandu said that today more than ever, the Republic of Moldova feels Romania’s strong support for its citizens, for peace, wellbeing and the European future. “In this difficult period, Romania stands by us sincerely and disinterestedly. While some blackmail us, others embrace us. In the name of all our citizens, I thank you a lot, Mister President,” stated Maia Sandu.
According to her, the strategic partnership with Romania means concrete benefits for the citizens in multiple areas. The new Government in Chisinau will continue an energetic dialogue with the Romanian executive. Prime Minister Dorin Recean announced that his first official visit abroad will be surely made to Bucharest, next week. They todays discussed the bilateral cooperation in 2023, which is a year of reconstruction. The reconstruction of the economy is Moldova’s propriety this year, as are the continuation of reforms and the strengthening of state security. The implementation of joint infrastructure and energy interconnection projects will continue. Energy security will be strengthened so that no one could blackmail the Moldovans with the stopping of gas supplies.
“We work intensely on the renovation of the existing bridges and the building of new road and rail bridges. This way, we will increase our economic integration with Romania and with the whole European space. In the education sector, we will promote academic partnerships between the schools and universities of our countries. We bank on Romania’s assistance in ensuring the studying of the Romanian language in ethnic communities in the Republic of Moldova and the diaspora,” stated the Moldovan official.
President Sandu is paying a working visit to Bucharest at the invitation of her Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis.
