The Republic of Moldova is the main beneficiary of official development assistance from Romania and the allocated funds have been constantly increased in recent years. The very special character of the relationship between the two states makes the transfer of expertise, acquired by Romania during the pre-accession period and over 17 years of membership in the European Union, from Bucharest to Chisinau a natural and ordinary process, said secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania Janina Sitaru, quoted by IPN.
“The relationship between Romania and the Republic of Moldova is special in character. As you well know, this connection is not only one of geographical proximity, but above all is a historical and cultural one, and the Romanian language is the strongest symbol of this connection,” Janina Sitaru said at the closing ceremony of the Professional Training Program in the field of European affairs for Moldovan journalists and officials with responsibilities in the field of communication.
The secretary of state for interinstitutional relations and development cooperation said that the Republic of Moldova’s place is in the European Union, and Romania is a strong supporter of this goal. The Romanian state contributes through financial assistance, expertise and political support along this path. “It is important that the citizens of the Republic of Moldova feel the advantages of integration even during the negotiation process. Romania wants the Republic of Moldova to be part of as many European programs as possible, even before the accession is completed,” stated the Romanian official.
Janina Sitaru said that the Republic of Moldova is the main beneficiary of official development assistance from Romania and the allocated funds have been constantly increased. According to preliminary data, 68% of the official bilateral development assistance allocated by Romania in 2023 went to the Republic of Moldova.
“I assure you that the Republic of Moldova will continue to benefit from development projects from Romania, especially as regards the strengthening of the administrative and institutional capacity in view of the European integration and strengthening of the rule of law. We will be by your side in this ambitious reform process for ensuring advancement in the irreversible European path, but also for building a safe and prosperous state for all its citizens,” noted the secretary of state of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania.
Janina Sitaru also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its capacity as coordinator of the policy of international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, pays major attention to official development assistance programs aimed at improving the institutional capacity and professional training of experts from the Republic of Moldova in the field of European affairs.
The Professional Training Program “Romanian Values in the Field of European Affairs” was funded by the Department for Relations with the Republic of Moldova of the Government of Romania and was carried out in partnership with the Romanian Diplomatic Institute.