Europe is our common home because the values, history and culture link Moldova’s future to the European Union, stated the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, who is on a two-day visit to Chisinau. The official said that Italy strongly supports Moldova’s EU path. A Joint Declaration in Support of Moldova’s Accession to the European Union was signed on Tuesday in the Presidential Palace, IPN reports.
President Mattarella was welcomed by President Maia Sandu at the Presidential Palace with military honors, during a ceremony that involved the Guard of Honor. Inside the building, the two leaders took photos and then, together with the members of the delegations, met for discussions. Later, Sergio Mattarella and Maia Sandu held a press conference.
“I’m honored to host the first official visit by a President of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Moldova. Your visit sends a firm message of friendship and support to our country, especially in the current difficult regional security context,” stated Maia Sandu.
The Moldovan official noted that the relations between Moldova and Italy are deeply rooted in history, and in all these years the two countries have developed closer and closer relations for the benefit of the citizens of the two states. “We are united by the cultural closeness between our countries and between our citizens who share the same value system – the European one. The strong attachment to parents, to the family, the joyful holidays with many relatives are close to our soul and to your soul too... In Italy, we have a large community of Moldovans. Many of our fellow citizens work and develop businesses in your country. Rome, Venice, Milan, Verona – they are no longer just tourist attractions for them, but have become their second home. Others used the years spent in Italy as inspiration to open businesses at home, in the Republic of Moldova,” said the head of state.
The official also said that Republic of Moldova is firmly committed to the path of joining the EU. “We appreciate Italy’s support for our country’s European path. The joint declaration signed today in support of the European integration of the Republic of Moldova represents a new and strong sign of support. Italy’s firm and unequivocal support confirms that our country has friends and encourages us to resist the challenges we face. I urge all our fellow citizens, both those who are at home and those of the diaspora, to participate in the referendum on our country’s integration into the EU, which will take place in October. We are optimistic about Moldova’s accession to the EU, but remain vigilant about the security situation caused by Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Today Ukraine defends not only their country, but also Moldova. It defends the whole Europe,” stated President Sandu.
For his part, the President of Italy said that President Maia Sandu’s visit to Rome three years ago enabled to intensify the bilateral relations between the two countries, which are intense and excellent. They are also a testament to the strong ties that unite the two countries. Trade between Moldova and Italy exceeded €660 million, and the presence of Italian enterprises in a series of sectors of the Moldovan economy is a reason for satisfaction as they make a significant contribution to the country’s development. “Our friendship is also proven by the presence of a large and well-integrated, active Moldovan community, which is appreciated for the work it does in Italy and which makes an important contribution to the socioeconomic development of my country,” stated Sergio Mattarella.
“I confirmed the appreciation for the efforts made by Chisinau on the path of reforms in terms of the rule of law and the judicial sector. We are very happy about the imminent approval of the negotiating framework and the convening of the Intergovernmental Conference. Italy will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova on the path of European integration, as it has been until now, and this is confirmed by the joint declaration signed by the representatives of our governments.”
During the conference, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gerasimov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Edmondo Cirielli signed the Joint Declaration in Support of Moldova’s Accession to the EU. Also, the Italian Deputy Minister and Moldova’s Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan signed the second Executive Program of Cultural Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Moldova and the Government of the Italian Republic for 2024-2027.
The President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella arrived in the Republic of Moldova a day ago. On Monday evening, together with President Maia Sandu, he attended a concert at the Palace of the Republic, which honored the work of Giacomo Puccini given that 2024 is the year in which the work of the well-known composer is celebrated.
