Moldovan president outlines foreign policy priorities for 2026 at assembly of Moldovan ambassadors

President Maia Sandu has participated in the annual assembly of ambassadors, where she outlined the main directions of foreign policy for 2026. In her speech, the head of state emphasized that the regional and international context, marked by the boosting of hybrid threats, stayed complicated.

Under these geopolitical conditions, there is only one realistic survival strategy for Moldova as a democratic, free and sovereign state: accession to the European Union. This objective represents an absolute priority for internal and external policy. At the same time, Maia Sandu emphasized the necessity of intensifying the political dialogue, strategic communication and actively promoting Moldova's interests and image in the EU member states.

A special emphasis was placed on relations with Moldova's neighbors. President Maia Sandu reiterated that Romania remained the country's number one strategic partner and the main supporter of the European path, energy security, economic development and connectivity with the European Union. Moreover, the head of state reconfirmed firm and constant support for Ukraine, stressing that Ukraine's resilience was crucial for Moldova's security.

The Moldovan president also referred to the need to deepen bilateral relations with key partners beyond the European Union, such as the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. Additionally, Moldova will continue to develop economic cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, as well as with China.

Partnerships will also be strengthened in the extended neighborhood, including with Western Balkan countries that share Moldova's aspiration for EU accession. At the same time, economic cooperation is set to expand in Caucasus and Central Asian countries, especially in the context of the opening of Moldova's embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital.

Priorities of Moldovan diplomacy include supporting economic development through attracting investments, promoting exports and deepening economic relations with partner countries.

Moreover, a major objective remains mobilizing international support to strengthen the country's security and position Moldova as a responsible partner actively contributing to regional stability.

The head of state also addressed the role of the Diaspora, emphasizing that Moldovan citizens abroad represented an integral part of society and a key pillar of foreign policy. President Maia Sandu highlighted the responsibility of diplomatic missions to actively support the Diaspora, including by improving the issuance and renewal of documents, modernizing consular services and expanding access to services for citizens. She also emphasized the importance of organizing cultural, educational and community events, in order to maintain the Diaspora's connection with Moldova, promote cultural identity and strengthen the country's image abroad.

At the end, President Maia Sandu highlighted that Moldova was at a crossroads, and the actions in the coming years will define the country's future for decades. The head of state urged Moldovan diplomacy to act with responsibility, determination and unity in the national interest, in order to firmly advance the strategic objective of Moldova's accession to the European Union.