The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romanian said the statements published by Moldova’s Prime Minister Ion Chicu on a social networking site are “denigrating in relation to Romania” and “completely inacceptable”. It expresses its firm disagreement with their content. “The statements by Prime Minister Ion Chicu are even more inappropriate as Romania, during the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, disinterestedly offered substantial support to the Republic of Moldova, showing solidarity and being thus tangibly near the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in a very difficult moment,” says a press release issued by the institution, which is quoted by IPN.

The Ministry notes that these statements show a profound lack of respect for Romania and the privileged bilateral relations of Strategic Partnership for the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova. The implementation of the reforms undertaken by the Association Agreement with the European Union is not only an obligation for the Republic of Moldova, but also a guarantee for the prosperity of its citizens.

Moldova’s Ambassador in Bucharest was familiarized with these aspects at the head office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romanian in the afternoon of May 22. Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bogdan Aurescu had a telephone discussion on the issue with his Moldovan counterpart. The press release does not yet provide details about the content of the discussion.

Premier Ion Chicu retorted after Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan criticized the Moldovan Government for being late in doing reforms.

“I’m looking at these Romanian lads who sheltered in European institutions and come with “patronage” over us... Failed, with nothing achieved in life and in the country, good for “bringing the balls” only... What did you do in your country, young man, as it is stricken by the most serious corruption in Europe? In Suceava County alone, you have half of the number of COVID-19 infections recorded in my country. And infected doctors, almost similarly. The deaths in the Moldovan counties represent 40% of the total death toll in Romania. There are two times more dead Moldovans on the right side of the Prut than on the left side even if the population is similar in size,” Premier Chicu reacted on Facebook.

He noted the citizens’ opinion about the work done by the Government is what matters. “Only the Moldovans’ criticism counts for us. The concerted attacks by personages who claim to be Moldova’s advocates can impress only their patrons, not me,” wrote Ion Chicu.