
Moldova and France have initialed a bilateral roadmap under which they will define future joint economic projects.
The French mass media reported this, noting that it was mentioned at a joint press conference of Presidents Maia Sandu and Emmanuel Macron. At the same time, the sides agreed to strengthen military cooperation, and the agreement signed by the defense ministers of the two states provides, in particular, for "the opening of a permanent defense mission in Chisinau in the coming months". As the French President specified, "this is only the first step". Emmanuel Macron said that France reaffirms its unwavering support for Moldova's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a joint statement, the two heads of state called on Russia to withdraw its troops illegally deployed on the territory of Moldova. Paris also expressed its readiness to contribute, when the time comes, to a sustainable and peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict. Emmanuel Macron said that in the face of Russia's attempts to interfere in Moldova's affairs, which are clearly aimed at splitting the Moldovan society, France and the European Union are on Moldova's side. "The Moldovan people can be proud of their peaceful struggle for freedom, which represents a challenge to Vladimir Putin's Russia," Emmanuel Macron said. // 07.03.2024 – InfoMarket