Moldovan President's message at joint conference with President of Romania

Dear President Nicusor Dan,

Welcome to Chișinău!

Allow me to sincerely congratulate you on your victory in the presidential elections.

I am happy that we have a firm partner at the helm of Romania, a person who respects the Republic of Moldova and is our friend.

Today, we are here because our citizens have gathered their votes, mathematically, and have overcome a tremendous danger.

We have a difficult road ahead together. War in our neighborhood, uncertainty. Three years of missile attacks and tank aggression against Ukraine. Russia has chosen war and committed atrocities against a nation - a tragedy that reminds us that peace can simply be stolen away overnight; that it is not a given and must be defended every day.

This war is not only with weapons. It is also a war that poisons our minds and souls - a war of manipulation, misinformation, fear and division. It is a systematic attack on democracies, on countries like ours, that have chosen the path of freedom. An attack that exploits and abuses democratic principles, in order to undermine democracy and unity from within.

It is also an offensive against those who support Ukraine, meant to weaken this support and ultimately contribute to the weakening of the European Union as a peace and prosperity project.

Both the Republic of Moldova and Romania know what this threat entails. We have been targets of severe attacks aimed at weakening and dividing us - tearing us into opposing camps, between truth and lies, eroding our trust in each other and preventing us from building, together, a peaceful future.

But we resist. Here, in the Republic of Moldova, we won the presidential elections, we won the referendum and stood with Romania in its struggle.

We proved that we know how to unite in times of trial. We know how to protect our peace and democracy. We know how to defend our vote.

The danger has not vanished. On the contrary — it evolves, adapts and continues to lurk, waiting for the right moment to strike again.

Therefore, we must remain vigilant. We must learn from one another. We must invest in education. We must be united, defend each other. As partners. As friends. As brothers and sisters.

History has shown us, with a pain hard to describe in words, what can happen when we fail to defend ourselves against evil.

We were separated by barbed wire, our language was banned, our parents and grandparents deported, families — torn apart and the culture and traditions — undermined. There were times when people were stripped of the right to feel, to speak, to hope.

Today, the Kremlin's methods are different, but the goal remains the same - for us not to trust one another, for us to hate each other. That is, to destroy ourselves, because hatred and distrust have never brought development.

If Moldova were to fall into Russia's hands, not only Chisinau would be threatened. But also Bucharest. And Odesa. And Europe. More Russian troops at the Dniester. Risk of destabilization. Insecurity.

A resisting Moldova means the safety of our families, it means the peace of the 1,200 km of border with Ukraine, but also of the 684 km of border with Romania.

The truth is that we could not stand alone. Ukraine is our shield. And yours. As long as Ukraine fights for its freedom, we can live in our freedom.

Therefore, every aid given to Ukraine is help for Moldova as well. Because every day Ukraine resists is a day when Moldova remains free.

We thank Romania for the support given to Ukraine. This is support that defends not only Ukraine, but also Moldova and Romania. If Russia were to win in Ukraine, it wouldn't stop there.

Dear Mr. President,

The Republic of Moldova and Romania are building a common future — through concrete projects that bring benefits to the citizens of both countries. Roads, bridges, power lines, gas networks — all funded with European support. All aimed at bringing us closer: people, communities, economies.

Energy is, today, security. We are completing the Chisinau-Vulcanesti power line, that will connect us to Romania. Two more power lines will follow. As of 2027, we will buy Romanian gas from the Black Sea.

And we want to go further: to conclude a contract for the delivery of electricity from the new reactors at Cernavoda, once they become operational.

Our economies are already linked, in a natural and healthy way. One thousand and seven hundred of Romanian companies are investing in Moldova.

But Moldovan companies also find their place in Romania. Even more. There are around 8,000 companies with Moldovan capital, with a turnover of over 3 billion euros, providing more than 20,000 jobs in Romania. Some even connect continents – like the air route operated by a Moldovan company that connects Bucharest to New York.

And tourism brings us closer. Romania has always been a beloved destination for our citizens and now more and more Romanians from the right bank of the Prut River are discovering the Republic of Moldova.

Last year, over 45,000 tourists from Romania visited us — which is almost two-thirds of all visitors. People go where they feel good. Where they feel at home.

Yet, border queues remind us that there is more work to be done. I talked with the President about the need to reduce waiting times at the border. The Prut should be a bridge, not a barrier.

Today, more than ever, we talked about our European future. The Republic of Moldova is in the midst of the process of joining the European Union. Romania chose this path a long time ago and has experienced significant changes towards a better life.

No matter how hard some Kremlin voices try to shout, we see Romania's modernization in all fields - from higher wages and pensions to highways, successful businesses, modern universities and increasingly prosperous communities.

For those across the Prut who still have doubts - look at how vulnerable Moldova is precisely because it remained outside the European Union. Look at how large the economic discrepancies are still between the two banks. And we cannot remove them unless together, within the same European family, supported by European funds - just as it happened in Romania.

Romania stands by us on this road. With experience, with concrete support, but especially with a strong voice in Brussels — a voice that defends our interests, that supports our aspirations. For that, we are grateful.

Thank you for supporting us. For encouraging us. For speaking on our behalf where, for now, we do not yet have a seat at the table.

But that seat will come. And not only because we need support, but also because we have much to provide. Moldova can contribute to a safer Europe - through stability at the borders of the Union, through security in the Black Sea region, through a clear voice in facing threats from the East.

We are ready to support civil protection efforts, peacekeeping and strengthening European values. Moldova does not come only to receive, but comes to contribute. To be part of a stronger and more united Europe — alongside Romania, as is natural.

Mr. President, the fact that you chose to be here in Chisinau at the beginning of your term is of great significance to us.

It is a sign of trust. And it is a promise for the future.

Thank you for that!