Moldovan president's message at joint conference with acting president of Romania

Dear President Ilie Bolojan,

Welcome to Chișinău!

Today is a special day. On 1 March, we celebrate Mărțișor together – a symbol of rebirth, hope and strong bonds that have united us for centuries. A beautiful tradition that reminds us that we are part of the same history, the same culture that we are the same people.

I am particularly pleased to have you with us today in Chișinău, Mr. President.

Your visit on this festive day is proof that the relationship between the Republic of Moldova and Romania is not just a political or strategic partnership – it is a heartfelt relationship, based on shared values, language, common history and mutual aid.

Romania is the most important partner of the Republic of Moldova.

The best friend.

The strongest advocate.

The shoulder we lean on during hard times and with whom we move forward together.

Over the years, Romania has always been by our side – with concrete support, with projects that improve people's lives, with a clear and firm voice in supporting our European path.

Together we have built roads, renovated schools and kindergartens, connected energy networks and invested in our villages.

Romania is a reliable partner in our efforts to become a modern, European state.

Beyond common projects, we are united by a vision for the future. We are united by the desire to live in peace, freedom, democracy.

We know the alternative. We know what it's like to be without brothers and friends. We lived through times when Moscow wanted to erase our identity, to kill our language and culture. Times when they imposed artificial borders on us, separated us with barbed wire, dividing families, friends. Times when they pretended to know who we are, what to think, how to speak.

Today, we are here proving that we have resisted. We are stronger than those who wanted to uproot us and silence us. Sovereignty belongs to the people, it is not dictated from Moscow, it is not bought with dirty money.



Moldova and Romania are each going through difficult times. We see around us attempts to destabilize, hybrid attacks, electoral corruption. We are facing aggressive propaganda, lies meant to divide us and weaken people’s trust in democracy.

We must say it clearly: a lie does not become truth just because it is endlessly repeated. Freedom of expression does not mean the right to manipulate. It is our duty to defend the truth, to protect people from lies and to ensure that democratic debate remains honest and based on facts, not manipulation.

But each of these challenges is also an opportunity to support each other and to demonstrate that together, we are stronger.

Security of Moldova is also security of Romania, and security of Romania is security of Moldova.

Together, united under the flag of the European Union, we will be even stronger.

That is why I have every confidence that we will continue to protect free elections, to fight electoral corruption in whatever form it takes, and to defend our citizens' right to decide their own future. Because that is sovereignty. The people, the nation, should decide what kind of life they want, not Moscow.

Dear Mr. President,

We have a shared responsibility: to preserve peace and freedom, to ensure people a secure and prosperous future. To give them confidence that their work, hopes and choices will not be hijacked.

Facing the challenges of our time - whether we speak of security, the economy or defending democracy - we know we can count on each other. Through solidarity and concrete actions, we will overcome obstacles, protect our values, and build a stable and prosperous future for all citizens. Thank you!