Moldova’s new image will help the country attract more investments, expand trade with other countries and increase exports - Maia Sandu.
President said this in her address to the citizens following the summit of the European Political Community held in Moldova, noting that, consequently, this will help increase the number of jobs in the country and raise the level of income of our citizens. The head of state stressed that in a relatively short period of time, all citizens together managed to qualitatively improve the image of our country in the world. "Moldova no longer looks like it did only a few years ago, as a little-known territory, where criminal groups are cutting the state treasury revenues. Moldova no longer looks like a country that allows itself to be pushed around by the Kremlin. Moldova is a country appreciated for the generosity of its people, for their courage and the ability to face hardships, for their willingness to move forward with their heads held high. Moldova is perceived as a future EU member," Maia Sandu said. She said that the summit held in Moldova, in which 49 Presidents, Prime Ministers and high-ranking European officials participated, made Moldova the center of Europe and proved to the entire world that Moldovans are able to achieve everything they want and that they are proud of their country. "All Europe has come to us to confirm that Moldova is an important country and that it has its place among the strongest and freest countries in the world. To support us in meeting the dreams of our citizens to live in peace and prosperity and to bring the European Union here, to our home," the head of state stressed. She noted that, as the past summit showed, Moldova is a partner respected by all European countries, the inhabitants of the country are treated with respect and are perceived as equals, as people with dignity, as humane and free people. "The international press writes about Moldova in a positive way, and we are no longer a country that is only told about when something bad happens. Holding the summit is a clear signal that Moldova is important for the European Union and for the other countries of our continent: our voice is important. Moldova is safe because of the friends of our country. Moldova is not alone when faced with threats and difficulties. We received clear diplomatic messages of support - European leaders say openly that Moldova is not alone and that our future is in the European Union," Maia Sandu said. She recalled that, during the summit, the launch of the EU Partnership Mission in Chisinau was announced. The Mission will help Moldovan institutions strengthen their crisis management capabilities and make the country more resilient to hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering misinformation coming from abroad. "Also, the EU will apply sanctions to those who want to destabilize Moldova and threaten the stability and security of our country. Persons on the sanctions list will be restricted in their movement, and their assets and financial means in EU countries will be blocked. Norway has also joined the EU sanctions. And on June 1, the Canadian authorities announced sanctions. All these countries help us to block those who want to destabilize the country and steal our future," stressed the head of state. She also drew attention to the fact that the European Union is helping Moldova to improve its defense capabilities and modernize the army. These days, Moldova has received the first donation worth 87 million euros through the European Peace facility, in the form of modern equipment for defense systems. Poland has also announced that it will provide six aircrafts with protective gear, such as helmets and bullet-proof vests, and state-of-the-art equipment to help the Ministry of Internal Affairs ensure public order and security. Hungary has also joined these days the list of contributors to the NATO Trust Fund for Moldova with a $300 thousand contribution, which will be used to strengthen Moldova's defense capabilities. Maia Sandu also pointed out that a concrete advantage of Moldova's close ties with the EU is that Moldovans will be able to use cheaper and more frequent telephone calls, because starting January 1, 2024, roaming tariffs for Moldova in the European Union will be significantly reduced. She noted that Moldova is reborn and on the way of development. The EU and European partners reiterated their commitment to continue their support so that the Moldovan authorities can improve people's lives, access resources and ensure prosperity at home. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the Economic Development and Investment Plan for Moldova, initiated in June 2021 for all Eastern Partnership countries, will increase from 600 million to 1.6 billion euros. "Accordingly, our country, along with other states involved in this program, will be able to participate in many projects addressed to the private sector, as well as in investment projects. Let me remind that this program is implemented through international financial institutions, such as EBRD and EIB, and includes a wide range of instruments - loans, guarantees, risk coverage and grants. These resources open opportunities for our companies and will contribute to the development of the economy," Moldovan President said. Maia Sandu said that now we have to work together more and more to start accession talks as soon as possible. She urged the state institutions and citizens to make all the necessary efforts to modernize the infrastructure, the quality of services in the health sector and education, to improve the quality of the environment in which we live, to raise the living standards for all. // 05.06.2023 – InfoMarket
