Romania vows to support Moldova's EU membership path
Romania will stand by Moldova 'no matter what' and support its path toward EU membership, which it calls 'a better life and the consolidation of freedoms.'
Romania's Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, announced in Chișinău on Saturday, August 23, that 'new bridges will be built between Romania and the Republic of Moldova to bring us even closer.'
For his part, Prime Minister Dorin Recean expressed his conviction that 'on a day as soon as possible,' Chișinău and Bucharest 'will sit at the European decision-making table for the future of the entire continent.'
Speaking alongside his Moldovan counterpart, Dorin Recean, Mr Bolojan said that Moldova is 'an example of courage' for withstanding pressure, energy blackmail, and 'hybrid aggression.'
Mr Bolojan said a referendum had 'secured' Moldova's European path, which he called a 'long-term commitment for future generations.'
He added: "I assure you that we will continue to build new bridges to bring us even closer, as is fitting for sister countries that share a common language, history, and values. We are living in an important period for Moldova's progress on its European path. In this context, Romania will remain a firm supporter of Moldova’s European path, providing support with our expertise, with the experience gained during our years of EU membership, and through bilateral and European cross-border cooperation formats."
Mr Recean said 'great things' are being accomplished with Romania and that there are ambitious plans for the future.
"The relationship between Moldova and Romania has been built for years on the connections between people on both banks of the Prut, because it is rooted in our consciousness. It cannot be destroyed by time or politicians, but it can be strengthened to ensure our resilience in the face of any foreign challenges and to bring solutions to citizens' problems as quickly as possible," he said.
Mr Recean added that one-third of exported Moldovan products are bought in Romania and that more than 1,600 companies with Romanian investment provide jobs in Moldova.
He added that the future 'is built, not predicted,' and that Moldova has a crucial decision to make this autumn. "Our nation will choose what is best for itself," he said. "Mr Bolojan, we still have a lot to do, and we have no time to lose. We have lost too many years before. Chișinău and Bucharest—I am convinced—on a day as soon as possible—will sit at the European decision-making table for the future of the entire continent."
Mr Bolojan's visit to Chișinău marks the 86th anniversary of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, the agreement that preceded World War Two. Under the pact, Bessarabia was later broken away from Romania and annexed to the USSR.
According to the official agenda, the Romanian Prime Minister and Mr Recean will visit the village of Horești and subsequently travel to Bardar. Later, Mr Bolojan will meet with President Maia Sandu at 4:00 p.m.
Romania's President, Nicușor Dan, is also expected in Chișinău to celebrate Romanian Language Day with Moldovan citizens on August 31.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
