Romania remains most important partner of Moldova in EU accession process - PM says

Chisinau, 13 Sep. /MOLDPRES/- Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița met today in Bucharest with Romanian counterpart Nicolae Ionel Ciucă. The officials reconfirmed the intention to advance in the implementation of joint projects and the achievement of the bilateral agenda between the two countries, mentioning the unprecedented intensity of Moldovan-Romanian relations, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

In this context, Gavrilita appreciated Romania's significant support for obtaining the status of a candidate country for EU accession, noting the importance of further strengthening the strategic partnership, including countering the negative effects of the war in Ukraine.

"The support and solidarity shown by the Romanian people and the Romanian authorities help us to face the crises and instability generated by regional tensions. At the same time, Romania remains the most important partner of the Republic of Moldova in development and accession to the EU. We continue to rely on the involvement of our friends from Bucharest in the management of this process, as well as adjustment of standards from various fields to the European ones", Gavrilița said.

According to the premier, Moldova needs the support of the Romanian authorities for the development of other areas, in particular, for ensuring the country's energy security. The sides discussed the storage of natural gas in Romanian warehouses, the need to increase the amount of wood, as well as the participation of Romanian companies in the tenders organized by Termoelectrica company for the purchase of fuel oil. "Besides the systemic reforms, focused on modernization, the number one priority for the Moldovan government is to get through winter well", the official said.

The official stressed the importance of cooperation in agriculture, referring to the supply flows of agricultural products and food, affected by the Russian military aggression in Ukraine. At the same time, she appreciated Romania's openness towards the farmers from Moldova, who are affected by the embargo imposed by Russia, but benefit from the access of products to the European Union market.

The sides also approached the situation at the border and the need to boost actions to streamline cross-border traffic between Moldova and Romania. In this context, the two prime ministers also pointed out the importance of accelerating the construction of the floating bridge of Leova-Bumbăta. The Republic of Moldova proposes that the new crossing point be open to international road traffic, not just goods.

Gavrilița is in Bucharest today to attend Moldova - Romania: Capital Bridges - the first high-level forum dedicated to the promotion of capital markets on the two banks of the Prut.

Photo: Government