Moldovan head of state meets president of Germany in Berlin

Chisinau, 19 May /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu today had a meeting with President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during a visit paid to Berlin, at an invitation by her counterpart, the presidential press service has reported.    

„I had a productive discussion with President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier  at the Bellevue Palace from Berlin today. We discussed the political situation in Moldova and the stake of the next July snap elections, which will allow us re-bringing the state’s institutions to the service of people,’’ Maia Sandu said. The head of state thanked the German federal president for Germany’s support to overcome the pandemic crisis and for the assistance for development provided to Moldova during years.   

The two leaders discussed also the bilateral relations with Germany, the attraction of German investments to Moldova and the continuation of assistance programmes, carried out by Germany in Moldova. ‘’I reiterated Moldova’s determination to advance in the European integration and we appreciate the support of Germany, one of the founding countries of the European Union, for the way we have chosen.  

Following the official meeting, Presidents Maia Sandu and Frank-Walter Steinmeier held a joint news conference, during which they stressed the need to strengthen the bilateral relations between Moldova and Germany.  

„This visit is a good opportunity of reconfirming the importance Moldova attaches to the relation with Germany and of the re-launch of this relation, in common interest. In my capacity of president, I want us to consolidate the economic relations between Germany and Moldova. Germany is one of principal commercial partners of our country in Europe. The German investments create thousands of jobs in industry and agriculture. We are prepared for new German investments. Moldova has qualified staff and might host production lines for medical devices and products meant for the European market – a good solution for producers, which would cut the production and transport costs.     

Germany has always been a reliable partner for Moldova. The German assistance, provided through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and through the German Agency for International development, backs programmes on infrastructure, energy efficiency and local and regional development in communities from Moldova, supports important reforms in the economy and the health sector. In 20 years, the German assistance for Moldova exceeded 290 million euros,’’ Maia Sandu said at the news conference.  

For his part, the federal president said that the visit of Maia Sandu, just in the beginning of her mandate of president, was a signal of the close relation between Germany and Moldova. Frank-Walter Steinmeier gave assurances that his country would support the reform-oriented agenda of Maia Sandu.

„The courageous pro-reform course, which you have chosen and which you represent, highlights the fact that the relations between Germany and Moldova can become close in the next years. We speak out, at the bilateral level, as well as at the European one, for the support of your country. We want friendship and partnership between Moldova and the European Union. In the last weeks, I have noticed that many political actors from your country do not have respect for the Constitution and the country’s constitutional institutions. I hope that the result of the parliamentary elections will create clarity and smooth the way to this end. We have a lot of things to do.

Mrs. President impressed us with the programme of reforms, which she presented us and which stretch to all sectors – economy, politics, justice. A reform-oriented programme, for which I declare absolute respect. We support you,’’ President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier also said.     

photo: Presidency