Deepening the partnership between Moldova and Romania in trade, economic and infrastructure terms is a guarantee of accelerating the process of Moldova's accession to the EU - Dorin Recean
The Prime Minister of Moldova said this after a meeting in Chisinau with his Romanian counterpart Marcel Ciolacu. He noted that the parties discussed development priorities, projects that bring real benefits to our citizens, as well as deepening the strategic partnership between Moldova and Romania, which is necessary for the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. The Moldovan Prime Minister emphasized that the friendship between Moldova and Romania is strong, based on historical and cultural ties and built on common values and solidarity. According to him, Romania has always been a reliable partner, providing Moldova with valuable assistance in the most difficult moments, as well as during its European path. As Dorin Recean noted, this strong friendship is very noticeable in many joint projects that are being implemented throughout the country, from road infrastructure to education. Romania has helped to renovate over 1,000 kindergartens across the country, provides scholarships for over 2,500 Moldovan pupils and students studying in Romania. A research grant programme was recently launched with a very clear objective: to integrate Moldova into the European research area. Romania is also actively promoting the improvement of the teaching of the Romanian language in Moldovan schools for national minorities, organising advanced training courses for them at Romanian universities. The Mihai Eminescu Romanian-language Lyceum in Comrat, which received support from Romania, has become the most popular and modern school in the ATU Gagauzia, while one of the dormitories of the Bogdan Petriceicu-Hasdeu University in Cahul will be completely renovated thanks to an investment of 2.4 million euros from Romania. Dorin Recean pointed out that the close ties between the two countries are also reflected in their joint efforts to preserve their common cultural heritage. "The restoration projects of the Soroca Fortress, the reconstruction of the Museum of History and Ethnography in Falesti, the Organ Hall, the Museum of Arts, the Donici family mansion are just a few examples of how we manage to preserve our cultural heritage together. The opening of the first religious museum in Moldova in the Capriana Monastery is another achievement that strengthens our cooperation," the Moldovan Prime Minister noted. He drew attention to the fact that Romania stood by Moldova not only in good times, but also in the most difficult moments. "At the beginning of the energy crisis, the first helping hand was extended to us from Bucharest, a gesture of solidarity that we will not forget. Moldovan agricultural producers received 10 thousand tons of diesel fuel, we received support for projects to connect gas and electricity networks, and 6 million euros were allocated for 33 projects under the European Village program. Now, with the support of the Romanian government, more than 2,000 students from Moldova have received safer and more comfortable conditions to get to school. 40 schools in all districts of the country received new vehicles. Today, we are sending another 20 buses that will reach schools in Ungheni, Briceni, Soroca, Drochia, Ocnita, Causeni and other districts of the country. "This important contribution is part of a broader effort to ensure that every child has access to quality education in schools equipped according to modern standards," said the head of the Moldovan government. According to him, Moldova and Romania are jointly investing in a number of infrastructure projects, bridges to the future for the citizens of both countries. Thus, Romania adopted a plan to build roads that will connect the regions on both banks of the Prut River and connect the Moldovan road network with the Romanian highway network. Last week, a contract was signed in Ungheni for the construction of a bridge across the Prut River, which will connect the cities of Ungheni in Romania and Ungheni in Moldova. "This is a symbol of the increasingly strong ties between us. In 2026, this bridge should be ready. This new 4-lane bridge will literally and figuratively take us faster to Romania and the European Union. This project will not only facilitate transport and trade between our countries, but will also pave the way for more investments in Moldova. This road will connect us directly to the A7 motorway via Bucharest to Thessaloniki and to the A8 to Budapest, Vienna and Paris. This way, we will reach the EU faster, not only by integrating the country's policies, but also by using new roads," Dorin Recean said. According to him, deepening the partnership between Moldova and Romania in economic, trade and infrastructural terms is a guarantee of accelerating the process of Moldova's accession to the European Union. "Economic and trade exchanges between our countries are constantly growing, and Romania represents the largest and most stable market for Moldovan exports. Attracting foreign investment in various sectors, from energy to agriculture and technology, contributes to the modernization of the Moldovan economy and the acceleration of our integration into the common European market. Romania remains one of our most important allies on this path, and we are happy to see how our economic and trade ties continue to strengthen, bringing real benefits to the citizens of both countries. Romania helps Moldova constantly and unconditionally," the Moldovan Prime Minister emphasized.// 04.10.2024 — InfoMarket
