President Maia Sandu’s speech at the joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin

 

Dear Taoiseach,

Thank you for welcoming me to Ireland. 

We have just had a productive meeting, and I am grateful for your openness and genuine interest in Moldova.

Earlier today I had the honour of meeting President Connolly. Both meetings confirmed that Ireland and Moldova are building a real partnership — and there is will on both sides to go further.

Our two countries may be far apart on the map, but we are closer than the distance suggests. Over 30,000 Moldovans live and work in Ireland, contributing to your economy, raising families here, and remaining among the most passionate supporters of Moldova’s democratic future back home. 

Through them, Ireland has become part of Moldova’s story. And Moldova, part of Ireland’s.

Ireland has stood with Moldova through these past hard years. Through the energy crisis, through the pressure of Russia’s war against our neighbor, Ukraine. Ireland never looked away. Just days ago, you have announced new assistance for Moldova to respond to challenges relating to the war in Ukraine. Thank you. 



Today we signed an agreement on mutual recognition of driving licences — a practical step that makes daily life easier for thousands of our citizens. And Ireland is opening an Embassy in Chișinău.

Moldova shares 1,200 kilometres of border with Ukraine. Russia's war is on our doorstep. Russian missiles violate our airspace; Shahed drones land in our people's yards and on their rooftops. A recent strike on Ukrainian energy infrastructure left 300,000 Moldovans without safe water, and last month the same attacks damaged our main electricity link with Europe.

Like Ireland, we have opened our hearts and homes to Ukrainians. We send humanitarian aid, train deminers, and stand with Ukraine in every international forum. We are ready to join the coalition of the willing. 

We are grateful to Ireland for its strong support to Ukraine. Because for as long as Ukraine resists, Moldova is at peace and free. 

Our path to the European Union is a survival strategy — the anchor that keeps us in the democratic world. Our people understand this. They have voted for Europe three times in two years — in a constitutional referendum, a presidential election, a parliamentary election. Each time under enormous pressure, they chose Europe. They chose the free world.

And we are honouring it with action — we went from full dependence on Russian gas to zero, we are reforming our judiciary, consolidating our institutions, aligning with the European legislation. The European Commission calls us the best student in the class. 

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From the 1st of July, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We have opened technical negotiations on all six accession clusters. Every member state supports our path. The conditions are right — and they may not stay right forever. 

In 2004, under an Irish Presidency, Europe completed its largest ever enlargement. We are asking Ireland to bring that same vision and solidarity to Moldova’s cause today, so that we can take decisive steps forward. 

 

Dear Taoiseach,

I am encouraged and grateful for our conversation. Ireland is a consistent, principled friend. We look forward to going further — together. 

Thank you, and thank you to the Irish people for their friendship.