Moldovan parliament speaker says it is important that Romania's president advocate for Moldova's interests

The Moldovan authorities count on continuity in relations with Bucharest, even after the presidential elections in Romania, continuing to enjoy Romania's support on the path of European integration. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, alongside MEP Siegfried Muresan and the candidate nominated by Romania’s governing coalition for the Romanian presidential elections, Crin Antonescu, made statements to this effect in Chisinau today.

Igor Grosu said that "the presidential elections in Romania are more than a simple electoral competition; they are about the direction that Romania will take and also about the strong voice that the neighboring country will have in the European Union to support Moldova".

"On May 4, we need our unity again to contribute to a European, free and strong Romania. A European, dignified and strong Romania also means a Moldova that firmly moves towards a future and stays free to choose its path. (...) It is important for Moldova to have a determined advocate for our country's interests in the President of Romania. On May 4, dear citizens, let's show the whole world the strength of the citizens of Moldova, not allowing foreign, extremist forces, which do not love Moldova, to divert Romania from the correct path, from the path of economic development and maintenance of peace. By joining our forces, Romanians on the right bank and Romanians on the left bank of the Prut, let's defend our common future in the great European family," said Igor Grosu.

Crin Antonescu said that a pro-Western president in Bucharest, with a majority behind him, is a guarantee that the relationship between Chisinau and Bucharest, which has brought spectacular progress in recent years for Moldova on the path of European integration, will continue.

"We have the same path. Beyond the fact that a number of citizens of Moldova also hold Romanian citizenship and therefore have the right to vote for Romania's destiny, the outcome of the elections in Romania is not indifferent for you in Chisinau. A firm, stable pro-Western president, with basis, with stability, with a majority behind him, is a guarantee that the relationship between Chisinau and Bucharest will continue and is a relationship of support, a relationship that has brought spectacular progress in recent years for Moldova on the path of European integration. Today, we can say that this integration has already begun not only through commitments and diplomatic procedures, but through concrete accomplishments, from road infrastructure, energy infrastructure, to relations that are only the beginning of what I, as a candidate for the Presidency of Romania, see as the future. A much broader economic, commercial relationship that complements everything that has been done in recent years from all points of view, including political and cultural," emphasized Crin Antonescu.

MEP Siegfried Muresan welcomed the progress made by Moldova on the path of European integration. He said that "throughout the European integration process of  Moldova, Romania has always been the main ally, has provided every support, and the current wish is to have continuity in the close relations between Romania and  Moldova".

"I came to Chisinau today to congratulate the authorities on all progress made on the path of European integration. The European Commission, the European Parliament and all European institutions see the reforms you are implementing and appreciate the progress. The EU stands with Moldova. Throughout the European integration process of Moldova, Romania has always been the main ally, providing every support it can offer, and our wish is to have continuity in the close relations between Romania and Moldova. We now have the chance to have a pro-European president in Moldova for the next four years, and it is essential to also have a pro-European president of Romania for the next five years, in order to be as closely linked as possible, to build as many bridges across the Prut, to link Moldova to Romania in terms of energy, to be as close as possible, to be able together to modernize schools, hospitals, to develop the economy of Moldova," said Siegfried Muresan.

The presidential elections will take place in Romania on May 4. Eleven candidates have been registered for the position of head of state. The elections due in next May were announced after the cancellation of the first round of voting in last autumn.