A roadmap concerning the priority areas of cooperation between the Republic of Moldova and Romania was signed in Bucharest. The document was signed by foreign affairs minsters Nicu Popescu and Bogdan Aurescu in the presence of Presidents Maia Sandu and Klaus Iohannis, IPN reports.

On this occasion, the Presidents of the two countries gave a press briefing. Noting that Romania was and remains a firm supporter of the Republic of Moldova at economic, political, diplomatic, cultural and education levels, Maia Sandu highly appreciated the support that was felt by the Moldovans citizens in all the regions – kindergartens and national cultural facilities that were renovated or erected, school buses donated by Romania, cultural programs, academic exchanges, assistance for the media and for civil society.

The official welcomed the signing of the agreement on the mutual recognition of diplomas, certificates and scientific titles and the completion of the Iași-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline that already proved its functionality during the October energy crisis. She said that the long-awaited Isaccea (RO) -Vulcănești (MD) – Chisinau power transmission line will start to be built soon.

“The European integration remains a major objective of the Republic of Moldova, which we can achieve with the support of our partners from Bucharest as well. The Strategic Partnership for European Integration between the Republic of Moldova and Romania will help us to faster achieve this objective, in the interests of our citizens,” said President Sandu.

For his part, Klaus Iohannis that they are ready to develop the bilateral Strategic Partnership for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova and to help advance the reform processes, noting Moldova’s wish to develop according to the European model, for the benefit of its citizens, is normal. “In such conditions, Romania will remain the closest friend of the Republic of Moldova. We always fulfilled the commitments undertaken to the citizens’ benefit and made consistent effort for the Republic of Moldova to remain a priority on the European Union’s agenda and on the agenda of other important partners, such as the United States,” said the President of Romania.

Speaking about the perspectives, President Iohannis said the joint projects with an impact are those that refer to the energy interconnection, strengthening of energy security, development of transport infrastructure, the prospects of continuing the provision of non-reimbursable assistance by a new dedicated agreement.