Prime Minister to young people of diaspora: Stay connected to Moldova – great advantage for you

The Government of the Republic of Moldova

Roots in the Republic of Moldova are an important asset for Moldovan children and young people in the diaspora, and knowing the Romanian language and the specifics of this part of the world offers them more opportunities. These were some of the messages delivered by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan to the participants in the second series of the governmental program Diaspora*Origins*Returns (DOR), during a discussion about identity, opportunities and the country’s European future.

The Prime Minister encouraged young people to view belonging to multiple cultures as an advantage and to stay connected to the Republic of Moldova, regardless of the country in which they live or study.

“In the global, interconnected world we live in, it is normal to be Italian, Spanish or Portuguese and, at the same time, to remain Moldovan. The fact that you speak Romanian and that you have this connection with the Republic of Moldova is a great advantage; I urge you to cherish it and make the most of it,” said the Prime Minister.

The official also spoke about the role that the young generation in the diaspora can play as the Republic of Moldova advances on the path of European integration.

“Moldova is moving rapidly towards the European Union, and you can be the people who will represent the interests of our country in European structures. Stay connected to the Republic of Moldova – this will be an advantage for you and for your careers,” the Prime Minister noted.

The young participants showed interest in reforms in education, in measures to support the business environment and in programs to improve infrastructure, asking the Prime Minister questions about the Government’s priorities in these areas.

The DOR program, organized by the Government of the Republic of Moldova through the Diaspora Relations Bureau, aims to bring children and young people in the diaspora closer to the language, culture, traditions and realities of the Republic of Moldova.

This year, the two series of the program bring together 240 participants from 20 countries, including France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Romania, Portugal, Spain, the United States of America, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and other states. Since the first edition in 2013, approximately 1,500 children and young people have taken part in the program.