Romania stands ready to provide any assistance the Moldovan government would request to consolidate institutions, stated Romanian President Klaus Iohannis after meeting with Moldova’s Prime Minister Maia Sandu and Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Năstase today in Bucharest.
On President Iohannis’s initiative, a working group has been set up in Bucharest from representatives of relevant ministries, who will team up with colleagues from Chisinau to identify where assistance is most needed, followed by concrete projects.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Maia Sandu, Klaus Iohannis said it is important that this first official visit of the new Moldovan Government leadership is to Bucharest. “This is important because Romania has always been and will continue to be Moldova’s most constant and dedicated supporter, specifically, for the democratic transformation of the country and for achieving the level of prosperity and security desired by its citizens want, as well as for its European course,” said the Romanian president.
According to Klaus Iohannis, the visit it is also symbolic, because Romania supported the peaceful transfer of power which took place in Chisinau on June 14 and which put an end to the recent political crisis. Klaus Iohannis wished the best of luck to the new government in carrying out a mandate that he thinks will by no means be easy. “I’d like to assure you, on this occasion, of all the support of Romania and mine personally for the efforts of the Government in Chisinau, considering the clear and concrete commitment of the new governing coalition to the European course and to the advancement of the bilateral strategic partnership for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova,” stated Iohannis.
Klaus Iohannis welcomed the fact that Maia Sandu agreed to have working groups to identify the areas for assistance and promised that he will personally watch the implementation of this initiative. The continuation of the existing projects implemented in Moldova with Romania’s support was also discussed, in particular the strategic projects on energy interconnection.
Maia Sandu noted that this is her first prime ministerial visit and this reflect the importance and the interest that the Moldovan Government attaches to the special and priviledged relations with Romania. “We greatly need Romania’s support, especially because what connects us are not only common economic interests, but also shared history, culture and system of values. Sadly, the legacy of the oligarchic regime in Moldova is a big setback for our citizens. The regime has destroyed the country’s economy, transformed state institutions into personal affairs and isolated the Republic of Moldova internationally. We trust that Romania will remain a crucial ally for the citizens of Moldova and in our European course,” stated Maia Sandu.
Maia Sandu said that the discussions took place in a frank atmosphere, and the issues addressed and the solutions for them reflected the mutual interest and concern for the stability of the Republic of Moldova and the continuation of the course towards modernization. “We have exchanged views on Moldova’s socio-economic situation and the actions that the Government in Chisinau will undertake in the near future to respond effectively to the expectations of our citizens and our external partners, on the functioning of the rule of law, the reform of the judiciary, the fight against corruption, the investigation of embezzlements, especially the $1B bank fraud, as well as stronger interaction with civil society, the independence of the press and other issues.”
Maia Sandu also said that the Government is willing to develop joint projects with Romania and Romanian investment initiatives are welcome. “The European Agenda of Moldova is our guiding principle in the relationship with Romania, and the strategic partnership for European integration will play a key role in the activity of the pro-European government in Chisinau,” said Maia Sandu.
