Moldovan president says when Chisinau and Bucharest join hands, sides do things that improve lives of people on both banks of Prut

President Maia Sandu hosted President of Romania Nicusor Dan at the Presidency today, during his first official visit to Moldova. This is a visit that reaffirms the special nature of the ties between Moldova and Romania - a relationship founded on a shared history, Romanian language and culture, strengthened by a strategic partnership, solidarity and mutual support.

“I am pleased that we have a firm partner at the head of Romania, a person who respects Moldova and is our friend,” said President Maia Sandu.

The bilateral discussions focused on the shared priorities of the two countries in improving the standard of living on both sides of the Prut River, in a regional context marked by uncertainty and security threats.

“When Chisinau and Bucharest join hands, we achieve things that improve the lives of the people on both sides of the Prut - bridges, roads, modern schools, connected universities, reliable electric lines and gas networks, successful businesses, job opportunities and tourism with great potential,” the head of state noted.

A priority topic on the agenda was streamlining the border traffic. The two leaders committed to collaborating to reduce waiting times at the border. “The Prut must be a bridge, not a barrier,” noted President Maia Sandu.

The two presidents reaffirmed their joint commitment to accelerating the process of Moldova's accession to the European Union. Romania stays the main supporter of Moldova's European path, considering EU enlargement an investment in its security.

In the context, President Sandu emphasized the need for a collective effort in the face of hybrid threats and informational warfare, that weaken free countries and the European Union as a project of peace and prosperity.

At the same time, the head of state stressed that, to strengthen the resilience of the two societies, it is essential to stimulate the economy through investments, ceration of jobs and improving citizens' living conditions.

Romania remains the main investor and trading partner of Moldova and our economies are increasingly integrated: approximately 1,700 Romanian companies operate in Moldova, while over 8,000 companies with Moldovan capital operate in Romania, generating a turnover of over three billion euros and supporting over 20,000 jobs.

The integration of the economies is also reflected in strategic infrastructure and energy projects. Moldova and Romania are interconnecting their energy systems, in order to enhance the regional energy security. The high-voltage power line Chisinau-Vulcanesti will be completed by the end of this year, while two other connections: Balti-Suceava and Straseni-Gutinas, are planned for the coming years.

At the same time, cooperation in transport infrastructure is also advancing. By 2027, the bridges at Sculeni-Sculeni, Cahul-Oancea, and Leuseni-Albita will be modernized. Also, four new bridges across the Prut are planned, which will strengthen the physical connection between the two countries: Costesti-Stanca, Leova-Bumbata, Leca-Falciu, and Barboieni-Raducaneni.

These projects mean investments in infrastructure, in the rapprochement of the two countries, in improving the standard of living and in strengthening a stable, prosperous and well-connected region.