Prime Ministers Bolojan and Munteanu reaffirm their joint commitment to support citizens
The Prime Ministers of the Republic of Moldova and Romania reaffirm their strong commitment to maintain a dynamic dialogue that benefits the citizens on both sides of the Prut. During Alexandru Munteanu's visit to Bucharest—his first official visit as Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova—his Romanian counterpart, Ilie Bolojan, assured him that "Romania was, is, and will remain the strategic partner and closest supporter of the Republic of Moldova."
Ilie Bolojan: “We will maintain an extremely dynamic dialogue”
During the press conference following the bilateral meeting, Ilie Bolojan praised the involvement, civic spirit, and votes expressed by Moldovan citizens in the parliamentary elections held on September 28. He also acknowledged how the authorities of the Republic of Moldova managed to confront the challenges to democracy and pursue their European path.
"I am glad that Romania contributed to these efforts. As we agreed in our discussions, we will maintain an extremely dynamic dialogue between our ministers. We must continue and deepen the joint projects that have already begun, as well as those we will decide on together in the future, for the benefit of citizens on both sides of the Prut," declared Ilie Bolojan.
The Romanian Prime Minister mentioned several projects, including the interconnection of energy and transport infrastructures, such as the Suceava-Bălți power line, the rehabilitation and electrification of the Iași-Ungheni railway using European funds, and the construction of the Ungheni bridge—the first bridge over the Prut built in the last 60 years.
Ilie Bolojan also highlighted the importance of streamlining transit at border points to reduce waiting times. He emphasized that this is crucial for citizens and businesses, especially since Romania is the most significant trading partner of the Republic of Moldova.
The European Union: The only option for future aspirations
On the European front, Romania remains committed to supporting the Republic of Moldova's progress. Ilie Bolojan stressed that the European Union is the only viable option to meet future aspirations and enhance citizens' standard of living.
"We need to quickly find solutions at the European Union level for opening the first negotiation clusters with the Republic of Moldova, and Romania firmly supports this objective," said the Romanian Prime Minister.
Alexandru Munteanu: "Once there were iron fences; Today we are building new bridges"
In response, Alexandru Munteanu reaffirmed Chișinău's political commitment to reforms and expressed gratitude to Romania for its support and role as an advocate in European capitals.
"Once there were iron fences between us; today we are building bridges—strong and enduring bridges. These include energy interconnections, roads, and bridges that form part of a common European infrastructure, alongside freedom of movement, increased trade, mutual investments, and direct partnerships between educational institutions," the Prime Minister said.
A common agenda for the next decade
According to Alexandru Munteanu, there is a clear common agenda for the next ten years, with both the Chișinău and Bucharest governments committed to ensuring that "concrete results will come quickly in the lives of citizens."
"We have new objectives for developing the energy infrastructure. In addition to the three lines planned for completion by 2028, of which the Vulcănești-Chișinău line is 90% finished, we are pursuing new interconnection projects with Romania and Ukraine: Vulcănești–Smârdan, Comrat–Smârdan, and Vulcănești–Artsyz, which will enhance regional connectivity," pointed out the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.
Romania: The main investor in Chișinău
Alexandru Munteanu emphasized that Romania remains the main trading partner and the primary investor in Moldova. With 1,600 Romanian companies operating in the Republic of Moldova, he expressed confidence that this number can and should grow.
"Good Moldovan products, which are in demand in Romanian cities, should be available on as many shelves as possible," Munteanu added.
In conclusion, he stated that "a dignified life and peace are the objectives that unite us," reiterating that the Republic of Moldova's plan is to transform itself from a country that relies on assistance into a state that actively contributes to regional security, energy connectivity, and European unity.
Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu of the Republic of Moldova is making his first foreign visit since assuming leadership of the government in Chișinău. This visit to Bucharest comes just one day before Moldova takes over the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on November 14, which is the decision-making body of the Council of Europe.
During his visit, Munteanu was received by Romanian President Nicușor Dan at the Cotroceni Palace. He also met with the President of the Senate, Mircea Abrudean, and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Sorin Grindeanu, during his visit to the Parliament.
