The Romanian government will support the Moldovan government carrying out reforms, strengthening economy, resilience and national security, as well as advancing on the European path, Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said on Wednesday at a joint news conference in Bucharest with his Moldovan counterpart, according to Agerpres.

„In our conversation, I welcomed the excellent level of bilateral relations as well as the remarkable dynamics of the bilateral dialogue. Today, we focused on the security developments amidst Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, with emphasis on the massive consequences for Moldova in terms of security, energy and economy. We are witnessing more and more attempts to destabilise the Republic of Moldova, to artificially create tensions, hostile narratives built on the intentional propagation of false information. I assured my counterpart of Romania’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders being observed,” said Ciuca.

He added that Romania has constantly promoted, including in Brussels, the need to support Moldova on several levels in order to resist „Russia’s very assertive attitude.”

„In addition, Romania will continue to promote measures in the security field of resilience at the European level, an example being the objective of creating a civilian mission of the European Union for the Republic of Moldova.”

According to Ciuca, the two officials also discussed the European integration agenda of Moldova, in direct connection with the reform efforts of the national government in Chisinau, for the consolidation of justice, the rule of law, the efficiency of the administration and a sound economy.

„I highlighted Romania’s active support in Brussels and in the relationship with the member states at all levels related to European integration. For example, regarding the fastest possible integration of Moldova with the internal market of the European Union, we discussed the complete liberalisation of trade and cuts in roaming tariffs. We discussed the need to speed up interconnection projects in the field of electricity, particularly important for ensuring the energy independence of Moldova,” said Ciuca.

Ciuca added that, bilaterally, Romania has demonstrated through facts that it is the „most sincere and reliable” partner of Moldova.

„I can testify, for example, to the granting of direct budget support of 10.3 million euros, supplying electricity, firewood for heating, fuels, as well as other forms of assistance. Also, Mr prime minister, I want to assure you that Romania will continue to be with you in the efforts to overcome the current crises and hybrid pressures that Moldova is subject to. For example, just at the government meeting last week we approved a series of documents, including a memorandum for the construction of a road bridge over the Prut river at the border between Romania and Moldova, between the towns of Albita and Leuseni, and two memoranda on the modernisation and maintenance of the road bridge over the Prut between the towns of Oancea and Cahul, as well as the road bridge of in Sculeni,” said Ciuca.

He mentioned that other transport infrastructure projects are in the process of being implemented, as well as border traffic streamlining projects, which were discussed at the level of ministries and there are firm commitments that they will be put into practice as soon as possible.

He also said that Romania has consolidated its status as Moldova’s leading trade partner.

„Bilateral trade increased by 1.2 billion US dollars in 2022, which means that it reached almost 3.6 billion US dollars. We very much want – and we will act in that sense – to increase investment in Moldova. I talked with the Moldovan prime minister and we agreed to use the business opportunities and potential of both countries. There is potential for co-operation as wide as possible and I believe that economy and trade can (…) bring support both to Romanian citizens and to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. We need this socio-economic stability,” said PM Ciuca.

Agerpres