Moldovan PM says Moldova has Romania by its side, with support, experience, strong voice in European capitals

The special relationship between Chisinau and Bucharest will continue to bring tangible benefits to people and Romania will stay a steadfast supporter of Moldova's European path. The prime ministers of Moldova and Romania, Alexandru Munteanu and Ilie Bolojan, respectively, have conveyed messages to this effect a after a today's meeting.

‘’We are building strong and diverse bridges - energy interconnection, roads and bridges that form part of a common European infrastructure, freedom of movement, increased trade and mutual investments, direct partnerships between educational institutions, the same plays performed in Chișinău, Iasi, Balti and Timisoara. And, of course, the strongest bridge is Moldova's accession to the Great House - the European Union,’’ said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan emphasized that Romania had been, was and would remain the strategic partner and closest supporter of Moldova. ‘’We must continue and deepen the joint projects already committed or those we will decide together in the future, for the benefit of citizens on both banks of the Prut,’’ said the Romanian prime minister.

The officials discussed the progress of joint projects concerning energy interconnection and the development of necessary infrastructure to improve Moldova's and regional energy security. Besides the three lines planned to be built by 2028: Balti-Suceava, Straseni-Gutinas and Vulcanesti-Chisinau, which is 90-per cent complete - other interconnection projects with Romania and Ukraine are planned. As for natural gas, Moldova aims to become a key partner in the Vertical Gas Corridor, which connects Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine.

As far as the transport infrastructure is concerned, the premiers highlighted that, currently, at Ungheni, the first road bridge across the Prut River in the last six decades was under construction, which is also the first motorway-type bridge connecting Moldova with Romania. Also, efforts are underway to facilitate transit at border points, in order to reduce waiting times for people and freight transport.

Prime Ministers Alexandru Munteanu and Ilie Bolojan also discussed increasing investments and trade exchanges. Romania remains the main trading partner and principal investor in Moldova, with over 1600 companies operating in Moldova.

During the dialogue, the sides also noted the successful cooperation in education and culture. In the long run, the wish is to enhance collaboration locally, as well as in the field of security, in the context of the regional situation.

Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu thanked Romania for supporting all projects that improve people's lives: ‘’Every reconstructed heritage building, every light bulb, every road, every school bus, every bridge, every renovated kindergarten means we are moving in the right direction. All together make a big difference in people's daily living. The dignified life and peace are the goals that unite us and the cornerstone of our governments' cooperation,’’ said Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.