VIDEO // President of Romania starts visit to Moldova; first stop: Cahul

President of Romania Nicusor Dan today began his visit Moldova today, paid in the context of marking 35 years since the proclamation of our country’s Independence. The first locality visited by the official was the city of Cahul. Later, Nicusor Dan is expected in Chisinau.

In Cahul, Nicusor Dan was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi, Romanian Ambassador to Moldova Cristian-Leon Turcanu and Mayor of Cahul Nicolae Dandis.

The agenda of President Nicusor Dan in Cahul included a visit to the construction site of the Republican Musical-Dramatic Theatre "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" and to the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" University Center.

The new building of the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" Theatre in Cahul is being constructed with substantial support from Romania. The Romanian government  allocated a non-reimbursable grant of 800,000 euros, representing the core funding that allowed the start of construction. The completion of the works was ensured by the Moldovan authorities: over 12.4 million lei were allocated through the National Fund for Regional and Local Development (FNDRL), and another 1.38 million lei came from the budget of the Culture Ministry.

In the afternoon, Nicusor Dan will be welcomed at the Presidency of Moldova by Head of State Maia Sandu. Afterwards, the two officials will hold a tête-à-tête meeting, followed by participation in the military parade organized on the Great National Assembly Square from Chisinau, on the occasion of Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova.

The visit's agenda will continue in the evening, when President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected in Chisinau. At 18:45, a trilateral meeting is scheduled, attended by Maia Sandu, Nicusor Dan, and Volodymyr Zelensky, after which the three heads of state will deliver joint press statements.

At the same time, Nicusor Dan and Volodymyr Zelensky will participate, together with President Maia Sandu, in the festive concert dedicated to the Independence Day of the Republic of Moldova.

The Republic of Moldova is celebrating 35 years since the proclamation of Independence. The schedule of events dedicated to Independence Day began in the morning with flower-laying ceremonies at the Grieving Mother monument at the Eternity Memorial Complex and at the monument of the ruler Stephen the Great and Holy. In the afternoon, a military parade will be held in the Great National Assembly Square. The evening will culminate with a concert featuring local artists.