VIDEO // Foreign Minister about cooperation with Romania: Strategic relationship between two states based on shared language, history and traditions is major asset for our country

The main partner of the Republic of Moldova is Romania. The strategic relationship between the two states, based on a shared language, history and traditions, represents a major asset and benefit for our country. With Romania on our side, it is easier for us not only in discussions in Brussels or with EU member states, but also whenever we face a major difficulty. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi made the statement at a TV show.

The official praised the constant support offered by Romania in times of crisis, stressing that relations between Chișinău and Bucharest have reached an unprecedented level of closeness and trust.

“During the successive crises we have gone through repeatedly, Romania has come to our aid every time. I am referring to support for farmers in times of drought, support in the energy sector, the interconnection we are building together. The closeness between Bucharest and Chișinău has never been stronger than it is now. Relations are as close as they can be, the level of trust is very high, and we will always be grateful to our brothers across the Prut for this solidarity. Every time we know we can count on Bucharest, on Cluj, Brașov, Iași and on all our friends across the Prut,” said Mihai Popșoi.

Referring to relations between the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the deputy prime minister noted that they have seen significant progress in recent years, strengthened through political-level cooperation and through the solidarity shown by our country’s citizens toward refugees from Ukraine.

“The relationship with Ukraine is as solid as can be, even if we recall that in the early 1990s there were more complicated circumstances. Cooperation has not always been excellent, but for several years now it has been very good thanks to the close relationship between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Maia Sandu, and also at the level of Government, Parliament and on a human level. Our friends in Kyiv and across the country have seen the hospitality and openness shown by the citizens of the Republic of Moldova when they opened their homes and hearts, receiving hundreds of thousands of refugees who came to our country in times of great hardship for the neighboring state. This trust that has been built up in recent years helps us a lot, because thanks to this solid partnership we have firm confidence that we will find sustainable solutions for all the problems and complicated issues on the bilateral agenda,” said Popșoi.

The foreign minister also appreciated the constant support of the European Union for the Republic of Moldova and the excellent relations that our country has with all member states.

“As head of Moldovan diplomacy, I am very pleased to be able to say that we have an excellent relationship with absolutely all the member countries of the European Union. And yes, this was visible also last year, on Independence Day, when we were visited by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Those who try to question our country’s achievements and the partnerships we have should show me an example where three leaders of such rank came to celebrate Independence Day in any other country than the Republic of Moldova. But let us remember that, before that, the presidents of the Baltic states also paid an excellent visit on Independence Day. President Zelenskyy, President Iohannis and President Duda were here as well. So the openness shown by our partners and the political and diplomatic support, as well as the economic support we have received from our partners in these extremely complicated few years, is the result of our diplomatic work, guided by the opportunities opened up by President Maia Sandu,” he remarked.

Mihai Popșoi also referred to the strategic partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the United States, stating that American support is reflected in investments, concrete projects and cooperation in the fields of security and energy.

“The relationship with the United States is as solid as can be. We see through concrete results that our American partners are deeply engaged in our region and are providing support. I am referring in particular to Strășeni–Gutinaș line, the granting of a non-reimbursable grant worth 130 million dollars, an investment in our country’s energy resilience and in regional energy security. This was followed by decisions to provide support in the field of security and defense, amounting to 36 million dollars, and there has also been significant support in the cyber domain. So relations are as solid as can be, both with the Republican Party, which is in government, and with the Democratic Party, with which we also have a good relationship. In the very near future, a new U.S. ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary will come to Chișinău, as well as a new head of the OSCE mission, and our relations will move to a new stage,” concluded Mihai Popșoi.

The foreign relations of the Republic of Moldova have seen intense dynamics in recent years, against the backdrop of the country’s progress on the path of European integration. Cooperation with external partners is taking place in the areas of defense, energy and the economy, in the context of efforts to strengthen regional security and resilience.