President Maia Sandu says Moldova values Moldovan-French partnership, wants to strengthen it in continuation

Chisinau, 16 June /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu met President of France Emmanuel Macron in Chisinau on 15 June. This was the first visit by the Élysée leader to Moldova and the first one by a French head of state in the last 24 years, the presidential press service has reported.    

At a working meeting, in which lawmakers and ministers from both countries participated, discussions were held on bilateral projects initiated in the last year and a half, following the re-launch of the high-level dialogue. It is about especially the cooperation in the field of combating corruption and recovery of assets, in the domestic affairs sector, cooperation for development, as well as the extension of the Moldovan-French economic and cultural exchanges.   

„I thanked Mr. President Macron for the support of France for our country, hit by the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, for showing solidarity for the assistance which we provide to the Ukrainian refugees sheltered in Moldova and especially for the recognition of our European identity and integration,’’ the Moldovan head of state said. Maia Sandu  noted that she asked for the support of France for Moldova’s application on accession to the European Union. ‘’We rely on the fact that the EU member states will back our approach at the Summit of the  European Union’s Council due next week, thus giving us the chance to remain part of the free world,’’ Maia Sandu emphasized.     

At the visit, the Moldovan and French foreign affairs ministers signed the agreement on the launch of the work of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Moldova. The Agency will finance development projects in the sectors of renewable energy, railway, irrigation or water and sewerage supply in Moldova. At the same time, France provided us with a loan worth 15 million euros – a first installment of the French assistance for backing Moldova’s economic recovery, announced at the Berlin Platform for Moldova Conference in last April. Also, the foreign affairs ministers signed the convention on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion, expected by the business environments from the two countries and from which a boosting of the French investments in Moldova is expected.  

Following the official discussion at the State Residence, Presidents Maia Sandu and Emmanuel Macron walked in the centre of Chisinau, in order to see the city and welcome people they met in the Stefan cel Mare Public Garden and in the Square of the Cathedral. On their way, the officials stopped on the Alley of Classics, where they laid flowers at the bust to Mihai Eminescu, thus honouring the poet’s memory, on the day when the anniversary of his death was marked.      

In the end of the visit, the two heads of state discussed with representatives of the Moldovan civil society, art and business community: soprano Valentina Nafornita, Watchdog expert Valeriu Pasa, the director of the Institute for Strategic Initiatives, Vadim Pistrinciuc, the Orange Moldova director, Olga Surugiu, and the head of the Press Council, Viorica Zaharia.     

„Our people want to live according to the European model and rules in their country. They are ready to support the authorities’ efforts in this respect, as well as to call the authorities to account, when they commit mistakes. Moldova has a democratic and solidary society, which deserves a peaceful and prosperous future in the European Union,’’ Maia Sandu said at the end of the visit. She showed confidence that, although we had to face many difficulties, in the difficult conditions of the war’s neighbourhood, we can advance quicker towards the goal set with the help of the friends from France and other friendly countries.    

„We value the Moldovan-French partnership, which has had an excellent dynamic in the last years and we want to consolidate it in continuation, in the interest of our countries’ citizens,’’ President Maia Sandu said following the meeting with President of France Emmanuel Macron.   

Photo: Presidency