The Support Platform for the Republic of Moldova proves that this country has more friends than it has ever had, said on Monday, in Paris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, who presided with his counterparts from France and Germany the third Ministerial Conference of the Support Platform for the Republic of Moldova, Agerpres reports.

„Our platform proves that the Republic of Moldova has more friends than it has ever had. Not only in the European Union, but in the whole world, who are willing to help Chisinau. This demonstrates the commitment of the international community to help the Republic of Moldova face unprecedented challenges”, Aurescu told a joint press conference with the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the Republic of Moldova.

He recalled that, during the ministerial conference held in July in Bucharest, which was attended by several states, organizations and international financial institutions, support was obtained in the total amount of 615 million EUR, of which 432.3 million EUR assistance in the form of grants.

„Moldova has faced challenges of an unprecedented economic, humanitarian and security nature, and in these critical moments, the citizens and the authorities have shown an impressive solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian refugees. The Republic of Moldova is a candidate for EU accession, an objective that Romania has strongly supported over the last few years. With the active support of President Maia Sandu and the Parliament, the Government in Chisinau shows remarkable leadership in the implementation of an ambitious, sustainable, democratic, pro-European and reformers”, said the head of Romanian diplomacy.

The minister added that the Republic of Moldova is one of the countries most affected by Russia’s „brutal” war against Ukraine. The country is facing a severe energy crisis, and citizens are suffering from inflation and high bills. According to him, the Republic of Moldova is also targeted by many hybrid destabilization attempts.

Aurescu reminded that Romania supplies the Republic of Moldova between 80 and 90% of the electricity needed. Our country recently offered Chisinau a grant worth 10 million EUR, in the form of direct budget assistance. Also, out of a total of 100 million EUR, Romania intends to offer, until the end of this year, grants of 25 million EUR for projects in fields such as education, regional development and the improvement of public utility services.

„We will be with the Republic of Moldova not only during this hard winter, but also on its way to become an EU member state,” the foreign minister emphasized.

Agerpres