The relations with Moldova, the sovereign neighbouring state with which we have strong historical and cultural affinities, remain a priority of Romania’s foreign policy, President of Romania Traian Basescu said at a recent meeting with members of the diplomatic corps working in Bucharest, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the speech of the Romanian head of state. Basescu voiced hope that the difficult internal reforms that Moldova must implement in the process of European integration will be supported by the European partners that will demand that Moldova is given the same chance as for the Western Balkans. Romania wants Moldova to fully benefit from the advantages of being a direct neighbour of the EU, including free movement for its citizens that will benefit and contribute directly to a stronger democratic state, Basescu stated. The Romanian president said that his country will be ready to support any effort designed to contribute to the strengthening of Moldova’s territorial integrity and to the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. He expressed hope that the solution to this dispute will be optimal and not influenced by the political or electoral developments in the region.