VIDEO // Head of State on foreign visits: Moldova must convince EU countries to accept accession

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu said that foreign visits and permanent dialogue with the member states of the European Union are essential for advancing the process of Moldova’s accession to the EU and strengthening the country’s security.

The statements were made at a TV show, after the head of state was asked about the opposition’s criticism regarding the numerous foreign trips carried out in recent weeks.

Maia Sandu said that accession to the European Union requires convincing the member states that the Republic of Moldova can contribute to strengthening the European project.

"The European Union is not the USSR. The USSR took us by force. In the EU you have to convince many people in order to become part of the European family,” the President said.

The head of state explained that political changes in European countries require maintaining constant dialogue with new governments and strengthening bilateral relations.

“Every time we must convince, we must remind why the Republic of Moldova in the EU means a stronger union,” Maia Sandu said, giving as an example her recent visit to the Netherlands, where a new executive has taken office.

The President said that the process of European integration also requires the involvement of the Moldovan diaspora in the EU member states.

“We need to work not only with governments, but with the society of each member state of the European Union,” Maia Sandu said, urging Moldovan citizens abroad to promote the image of the Republic of Moldova and the objective of European accession.

In the same context, the head of state stressed that foreign policy and security are major priorities for the presidential institution.

“The security of the Republic of Moldova today depends to the greatest extent on foreign policy,” Maia Sandu said.

The President of the Republic of Moldova criticized the opposition’s positions on European integration and on strengthening the state’s defense capabilities.

“In a world that is becoming increasingly dangerous, especially for small countries, what does the opposition offer in terms of security for the people of this country?” Maia Sandu asked.

The head of state also said that more and more former Soviet republics are trying to reduce their dependence on the Russian Federation, including in the energy and trade sectors, citing the negative experiences accumulated in their relations with Moscow.