The European path of the Republic of Moldova will, in fact, lead to the well-being of Moldovan citizens, Russia is no guarantee for the Republic of Moldova, prime minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Friday, in Chisinau, during the joint statements with his Moldovan counterpart, Dorin Recean.
„I know the challenges Romania has, I know the challenges, as well as you do, the whole of Europe has. We do not ignore the international context and the current security crises in Europe and the Middle East. It is normal that the biggest challenges are in the economic area. Moreover, it is also an election year in Romania and in the Republic of Moldova. I congratulate you, Mr. Prime Minister, and the entire government team, for remaining firm, regardless of political costs and discussions during the election period, firm on the European path of the Republic of Moldova. And I strongly believe that this European path will, in fact, lead to the well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” Marcel Ciolacu, on an official visit to Chisinau, said.
„I don’t believe in the younger brother, the older brother, on the contrary. We are brothers and together we have a single goal. At the moment, the main goal is the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union,” Ciolacu stressed.
The Bucharest chief of government also presented what EU membership means for Romania, reminding that Romania has 20 billion euros at the moment, „European money that is being invested in Romania this year. That means integration into the European Union. We have, we were talking about your afforestation program, Romania benefits from a grant of 500 million euros for afforestation. At this moment, we reached an average salary of 1,100 euros. This will bring the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European Union as well. We can only talk about the Republic of Moldova within the European Union,” Ciolacu added.
„I have a request and I don’t want to meddle and I’m not allowed constitutionally to involve in the elections in the Republic of Moldova, but I will allow myself to say one thing: Russia is no guarantee for the Republic of Moldova. Russia will take the Republic of Moldova to the zone of isolation of the Republic of Moldova, in the area of poverty. It will bring neither security nor development,” Ciolacu also declared.
„The Republic of Moldova must have a direct connection on the European gauge railway between Chisinau and Iasi. We must be much more involved in order to develop the two countries. We have this first example with the first bridge we are building. I am firmly convinced that in the next period we will come with other investments. We have the energy area interconnection so that the Republic of Moldova is as stable as possible in this area and does not have political constraints from other states,” PM Ciolacu said.
„I do not want a total connection of the Republic of Moldova with Romania and the Republic of Moldova to have no other way than through Romania. On the contrary, Romania must be the bridge of the Republic of Moldova to the European Union. The Republic of Moldova must not be totally dependent on Romania. (…) Until you have an integration, Romania will be with you to overcome all challenges,” Ciolacu said.
AGERPRES
