The success of the European integration process of the Republic of Moldova depends first and foremost on the country itself. Romania will support it, but the implementation of reforms assumed through the Association Agreement with the EU is decisive, Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Meleșcanu stated in a press briefing in Chisinau, IPN reports.
“We know from our own experience what the important challenges of the putting into practice of an ambitious reform agenda are, but there is no viable alternative for ensuring prosperity, stability and democracy in Moldova. Romania is and will remain an advocate of the Republic of Moldova,” stated the Romanian minister. The EU’s expectations supported by Romania refer to the obtaining of concrete results in the reform processes and complete fulfilment of the undertaken commitments.
As to the parliamentary elections of February 24, Teodor Meleșcanu said it is important to meet the highest democratic standards when organizing the elections as Moldova this way can strengthen its European course. He assured that Moldova is one of the top priorities of Romania’s presidency of the Council of the EU and they will contribute to the development of the Moldova – EU relations. In 2019, it will be ten years of the launch of the Eastern Partnership and five years of the liberalization of the visa regime, including for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. There were planned a number of meetings centering on the Eastern Partnership in such areas as digital economy, energy, business community, transport etc.
In the same briefing, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova Tudor Ulianovski expressed his conviction that the Romanian presidency of the Council of the EU will be successful and will represent an important stimulus for Moldova to continue its European course with perseverance. “The state of the Moldova – EU dialogue can gradually improve. Moldova fulfilled the commitments assumed before the EU, including with Romania’s support. We are waiting for the completion of the electoral process and the setting of new objectives for stimulating the Moldova - EU relationship and continuing reforms,” stated the minister.
Tudor Ulianovski said that in the meeting with his Romanian counterpart, they discussed the extension of the political dialogue by taking common actions during the current presidency and the next one. The sides agreed to organize the next sitting of the intergovernmental commission for European integration in the second half of this year. The minister expressed his recognition for the support provided by Romania for different projects implemented in Moldova and the offering of €3 million for continuing the renovation of kindergartens.
Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Meleșcanu is paying a one-day working visit to Moldova.
