Moldova and Romania will speed up the implementation of energy interconnection projects and the development of road infrastructure between the two countries.
This was agreed at a meeting in Bucharest between the foreign ministers of the two countries, Mihail Popşoi and Luminita Odobescu. At the news conference, the Romanian foreign minister emphasized that the consolidation of Moldova's interconnection with the EU through Romania, especially in the electricity and transport sectors, represents an important step in Moldova's European integration. At the same time, she described the interconnection of the natural gas systems through the Iasi-Ungheni-Chisinau gas pipeline as an absolute success, which made a fundamental contribution to Moldova's energy security. "In the electricity sector, we should speed up the construction of the Isaccea-Vulcanesti-Chisinau and Suceava-Balti transmission lines," Luminita Odobescu said. She stressed that Romania will continue to firmly and resolutely back Moldova in the EU integration process, as well as to assist Moldova diplomatically and technically in the EU accession process. The Romanian Foreign Minister emphasized that Moldova enjoys strong, dynamic and multidimensional support from Romania, which is fully committed to consolidating the bilateral strategic partnership, making progress towards European integration and backing Moldova in promoting reforms. "Romania will continue to firmly support Moldova throughout this process, we will provide both political and technical support to the authorities in various fields," the Romanian Foreign Minister said. She praised the reform efforts of the Moldovan authorities, noting that they have shown courage and political will to implement reforms in the fields necessary for EU integration, despite the hybrid war being waged against it. "Moldova is resisting and will continue to resist. It is strengthening its institutional capacity, is in the process of reforms and, above all, is firmly committed to its European course. Chisinau's ties with Brussels are getting closer and Romania is ready to support their continuous consolidation. Together with our partners, we are doing our utmost to ensure that the Moldovan citizens have a chance for prosperity, freedom and dignity in a stable and predictable environment," Luminita Odobescu said. She also voiced hope that, at the presidential election and referendum in autumn, as well as at the parliamentary election next year, the Moldovan citizens will finally consolidate Moldova in the European space. For his part, Mihail Popşoi said he received assurances from his Romanian counterpart that Romania will continue backing Moldova in all the initiatives aimed at deepening the reform processes, developing and modernizing the economy, increasing the citizens' welfare and prosperity, as well as at consolidating stability and security. Romania will continue to provide Moldova with priority, comprehensive and firm support in projects aimed at consolidating energy security, developing infrastructure, advancing in the European integration process, as well as developing institutional capacities for the efficient implementation of reforms in Moldova. The sides agreed to deepen the bilateral strategic partnership and to fully utilize the common heritage of identity. Mihail Popşoi said that for Moldova, the past few years have been a unique opportunity to positively transform and advance on the European integration path. In this process, it has fully benefited from the support of the Romanian diplomacy, which plays an important role in Moldova's European integration. The sides also discussed the security situation and the consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine. "We maintain close, intensive communication with Romania in a complex geopolitical context caused by the Russian Federation's unjust war on the territory of Ukraine, a war that directly affects not only our states, but also the whole region," the Moldovan Foreign Ministry head said. // 06.02.2024 – InfoMarket
