The opening of EU accession negotiations for the Republic of Moldova irreversibly puts the country on a path that takes it to the great European family, to prosperity, growth, stability and security. This was stated by Romania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminița Odobescu during a joint press conference in Bucharest with her Moldovan counterpart Nicu Popescu.
According to Luminița Odobescu, the political and diplomatic dialogue between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is today at an unprecedented level and this is largely due to the work done by Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu. She noted that the two states have bilateral projects at the sectoral level in multiple fields, and those related to securing and advancing the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova were discussed in Bucharest. “We are and will remain the most active and closest partner of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens, both bilaterally and at the European and international level,” Luminița Odobescu added.
The Romanian foreign minister noted that, unfortunately, the Republic of Moldova remains the most affected neighbor of Ukraine as Russia continues its war of aggression and its destabilization actions. “We saw this yet again last night. Romania condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s attacks on innocent civilians and on civilian infrastructure, from several Ukrainian cities, attacks resulting in deaths and injuries”, said the Romanian official.
Luminița Odobescu says that there is a year ahead with many challenges, a particularly complex year. The Republic of Moldova will find itself in the fall of this year in the middle of an electoral cycle that started in November last year with the local elections. “Both the presidential elections this year, together with the referendum for European integration, and the parliamentary elections next year, are a historic opportunity for the pro-European option for a democratic and prosperous society of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to be expressed clearly and undeniably”.
For his part, Deputy Prime Minister Nicu Popescu said that Moldova’s relations with Ukraine are more substantial than ever in the last 30 years. Along with Romania, great progress has been made to bring Moldova on the path of joining the European Union. Romania’s contribution to the support of the Republic of Moldova is recognized by all citizens of the country, regardless of political or geopolitical preferences. “Whether we are talking about the kindergartens built or renovated by Romania or about the bridges that connect the banks of the two states along the Prut River, Romania’s help is highlighted and appreciated unanimously”.
The two officials also reviewed the progress of several joint projects. Nicu Popescu noted that important progress is being made to improve the infrastructure that will connect the Republic of Moldova to Romania and the European space. These very days, the tender for the feasibility studies for four bridges between Romania and the Republic of Moldova was launched.
“We continue to be united in these joint efforts to maintain and ensure peace and stability in the Republic of Moldova, to connect the Republic of Moldova and anchor it as firmly as possible in the European space, and we will continue to work to bring the Republic of Moldova into the European Union. And here we count on, and are absolutely sure of Romania’s full support”, declared Nicu Popescu.
