The Republic of Moldova and Romania „forge” their destiny together, as part of the free world, Chisinau on its way to the European Union, while Bucharest is working to become „stronger” in the EU, President of the neighbouring country Maia Sandu said on Tuesday, at the Conference called „Women MPs of Romania and the promotion of gender equality as a national commitment,” organized buy the Romanian Senate, at the Palace of Parliament, according to Agerpres.

„For the first time since the Republic of Moldova declared its independence, the President of the Republic of Moldova, alongside the President of Romania, shake hands in the supreme legislature forum of Romania in order to come up with a a common message to the citizens on both banks of the Prut River. Today, in these extremely difficult times for everyone, the Republic of Moldova and Romania are not just joining hands, but forging their destiny together, as part of the free world – the Republic of Moldova on its way to the European Union, while Romania is working to become stronger in the European Union,” President Sandu highlighted.

She also underscored the important role played by the Moldovan women in politics, adding that they enjoy the support of society, which appreciates, above all, a person’s character.

„Even if it is a challenge to make it in an area traditionally dominated by men, increasingly more women of Moldova got involved and manage to be respected for their skills. In the Republic of Moldova, women are leaders in several spheres of activity, today, they lead important institutions: the Government, the Interior Ministry, the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office, the Constitutional Court. Women create and lead successful businesses and become world champions in professional sports,” Maia Sandu stated.

Moreover, the President of the Republic of Moldova thanked Romania for the permanent support granted to her country, „or anytime it was needed.”

„We are grateful to President Iohannis, Mr. Prime Minister, the Government, Romania’s Parliament because they respond with remarkable interest to the prayers and needs of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. Thank you for how close you are to us and please remain close to us. (…) Romania knew to be next to us anytime we needed. Also when it created study opportunities for so many youngsters from the left coast of the Pruth – youngsters who bring their contribution to a better world, whether they return to their community, whether they are anywhere in the world. Also, when it funded the modernization of hundreds of kindergartens. Even when it donated school minibuses. When it was close to us with material aids and with vaccine in order to fight the pandemic. Also now, when it deliverers electricity after Russia bombarded the electric power stations in Ukraine,” Sandu mentioned.

The Moldovan leader further mentioned the war waged by the Russian Federation with Ukraine, which endangers the freedom of those in the region and creates an unprecedented major energy crisis.

„The war is now closer. Russian missiles target the Ukrainian infrastructure and they fall on our soil. It even happened yesterday. Because of the war, we go through a major energy crisis and we risk being left with no gas and electricity this winter. For the Moldovan consumers, the gas prices increased 6 times in the past year and it is two times higher than in Romania. Just as serious is the electricity situation. After the Russian Federation bombed the Ukrainian networks, Gazprom halved the volume of gas delivered to Moldova, and the supply of electricity from the left of the Dniester for the next month became uncertain, providing the country with electricity is a daily challenge. Even if we undertake serious efforts to save and the Government in Chisinau tries to help people with low incomes, a family’s bill expenses amounted to 70-75 percent of the income. This energy vulnerability generates political blackmail and interference in democracy, in the internal and external politics,” President Sandu argued.

She mentioned having listed all these problems not to complain, but so that everyone knows that the Republic of Moldova chooses to be free and to continue the European path regardless of the circumstances.

She showed that it would be dramatic for Chisinau, but also for Romania and the entire region, that the Republic of Moldova be regressed from its path toward democracy.

Agerpres