Moldovan president on first official visit of a Moldovan head of state to Slovakia: deepened bilateral partnership, joint commitment to Moldova’s EU accession

President Maia Sandu today paid the first official visit of a Moldovan head of state to the Slovak Republic, at an invitation by President Peter Pellegrini. During the day, the Moldovan president had talks with her Slovak counterpart and with the ministers of economy and defence, was received by President of Parliament Richard Raši and met more Slovak MPs.

The visit marked 33 years of diplomatic relations between the two states and opened a new chapter in the bilateral cooperation through the signing of more agreements, the holding of the Moldovan–Slovak business forum, and the reaffirmation of Bratislava’s support for Moldova’s path to accession to the European Union.

Three bilateral instruments were signed during the visit. The Agreement on social security will ensure that periods of work carried out in both countries are recognized and added together for the purpose of establishing pensions, and that beneficiaries will be able to receive pensions and other social benefits regardless of the state in which they reside. This instrument addresses the needs of hundreds of Moldovans employed in Slovakia’s automotive, manufacturing and logistics sectors.

In addition, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed: between the Investments Agency of Moldova and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), and between the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the two countries. These instruments create an institutional framework for attracting Slovak investments to Moldova and deepening bilateral trade relations.

Addressing entrepreneurs, President Sandu said: “Moldova is open for business. It is high time now.”

Moldovan exports to Slovakia increased by over 30 per cent in 2025. “We have much greater potential, especially in such sectors as automotive components, renewable energy, agri-food processing and the IT sector,” the head of state noted. The EU Growth Plan of almost 2 billion euros creates concrete opportunities for Slovak companies with experience in implementing European projects, as well as in developing industrial parks.

The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in the defence sector.

The accession of Moldova to the European Union was a central subject of the visit. President Sandu cited Slovakia’s example as a benchmark for Moldova’s path: “We want our children to grow up in freedom, in safety, in a country where everyone can fulfill their potential. We are not asking for favours — we are asking to be assessed on the basis of our own efforts.”

President Pellegrini delivered a strong message of support: “We are in favour of the enlargement of the European Union and we will do everything possible for Moldova to move forward and to get onto the path that, in a few years, will lead to the status of member of the European Union. I, as well as the citizens of the Slovak Republic, want to see you at the European table as soon as possible, as an official member of the European Union.”

President Sandu also addressed the security situation in the region, stressing that Russian aggression does not stop at Ukraine’s borders. Russia’s bombing of a Ukrainian hydropower plant polluted the Dniester River, leaving 300,000 people without drinking water and another attack disabled the Isaccea–Vulcanesti power line, which supplies up to 70 per cent of Moldova’s electricity. The Moldovan president welcomed Slovakia’s solidarity in both cases: equipment provided for the intervention on the Dniester and the support of the Slovak grid operator in facilitating cross-border electricity flows.

The head of state also highlighted Ukraine’s resilience: “Ukraine’s resilience matters far beyond Ukraine itself. It is essential for Moldova’s security and for European security as a whole. Every day that Ukraine holds out helps to protect Moldova, strengthens Europe’s security and defends the principles on which peace on our continent depends.”

The Moldovan delegation included Deputy Prime Minister, Economic Development and Digitization Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu, Labour and Social Protection Minister Natalia Plugaru and Defence Minister Anatolie Nosatii.