Moldovan president received by Italian head of state in Rome

President Maia Sandu has had an official meeting with President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, the official residence of the Italian head of state.

The discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations between Moldova and Italy, economic cooperation, as well as the support provided by Italy for Moldova’s European path. The two heads of state also addressed the topic of the large community of Moldovan citizens settled in Italy – an active, appreciated and well-integrated community, that contributes to the economic development of both countries.

“I found in President Mattarella a firm supporter of the Moldovans, of Moldova, and of our European path. And Italy has shown us that it has confidence in our future and has provided us with solid support,” said the Moldovan head of state.

The interlocutors welcomed the approval of the bilateral agreement on social protection, promulgated by President Mattarella on July 1, as well as the signing of the agreement on the conversion of driving licenses.

The social protection agreement guarantees that the Moldovans who worked in Italy will receive a pension for the years worked there, whether they choose to stay in Italy or return to Moldova.

The agreement on the conversion of driving licenses was signed today in Rome, in its new version. This allows all Moldovan driving licenses, including those to be issued in the future, to be recognized and converted in Italy, eliminating the problems faced by Moldovan fellow countrymen in Italy.

In recent years, the relations between Moldova and the Italian Republic have witnessed a significant development, spurred by President Maia Sandu's official visit to Rome in June 2021. Since then, Italy has allocated Moldova financial support of about 90 million euros, particularly directed towards social protection measures and energy efficiency – including through financing the Vulnerability Reduction Fund and the setting of tens of thousands of smart meters, which measure energy consumption and help reduce households’ expenses.