Moldovan deputy prime minister awarded Order of the Republic

Chisinau, 24 January /MOLDPRES/ - Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu today was awarded the Order of the Republic. The distinction was awarded by President Maia Sandu, ‘’as a token of high appreciation of the professionalism displayed in the foreign policy sector, for the constant support of the efforts of Moldova’s European integration and major contribution to the opening of the negotiations on our country’s accession to EU.’’

During the official ceremony, head of state Maia Sandu said that Deputy PM Nicu Popescu was the most outstanding foreign affairs minister Moldova had had so far.   

„I express gratitude for everything you have achieved and for the major contribution to the process of our country’s accession to EU. During your mandate, extraordinary results were achieved in the diplomatic field. At the taking over of the mandate, Moldova was isolated from the diplomatic viewpoint and the professional and the human qualities you have helped us hugely in establishing these international relations. In the process of accession to EU, you carried out very much work for our country to be prepared. I am sure that you will be with us in continuation, as for the time being, we have not achieved the final goal on the way of European accession,’’ Maia Sandu said.    

For his part, Deputy PM Nicu Popescu thanked the Moldovan president for the high appreciation of his work. ‘’I thank you enormously for the confidence given. I will be with the team and it is an honour for me to be equally attached to the reforms. I will continue to do my utmost, for the projects underway to continue, in order to bring our country into the European Union,’’ Nicu Popescu said.   

Foreign Affairs and European Integration Minister Nicu Popescu announced his resignation today morning. The official noted that ‘’he fulfilled his goals established in the beginning of the mandate.’’  

Nicu Popescu will exercise his mandate till 29 January this year. Afterwards, Mihai Popsoi, who is presently deputy parliament speaker,  will take over this office, upon the taking of oath next week. Also, Cristina Gherasimov will be appointed as Minister for European Affairs.